Orlando Pirates Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands to Be Offered Coaching Role as Retirements Beckons

Orlando Pirates Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands to Be Offered Coaching Role as Retirements Beckons

Keba Mothoagae
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:05 PM
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  • Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands' career is drawing to a close, with his current club Orlando Pirates reportedly planning to keep him within the system
  • A report has come out stating that the club intends of incorporating the 38-year-old into its coaching strikers after his impending retirement
  • This follows news that legendary defender Happy Jele will also be offered a role with the Buccaneers once he calls time on his career

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands is reportedly set to remain at Orlando Pirates from next season.

The 38-year-old has apparently been offered a goalkeeper coach position within the club's structures, getting the opportunity to work his way upwards possibly into the senior team one day.

wayne sandilands, orlando pirates, goalkeeper coach, retirement, mamelodi sundowns, bafana bafana
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands is approaching retirement, with the club looking to keep him on in a coaching capacity.
Source: Getty Images

The Citizen reported back in February that Sandilands was considering retirement as the club had not, and did not intend to extend his contract. Another The Citizen report quoted a supposed source at the club as confirming that Sandilands wouldn't be walking the Sea Robbers' ship just yet.

The source was quoted as saying:

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"Wayne will be coaching the young guys, that is where he has to start. But, the ultimate goal is to be working with the seniors. It just that he has to go on the coaching courses first, once he has his badges he will be promoted to the senior team He can’t wait to start, he is really excited about this new role because it is something that has always in his mind.
"He is eager to learn and wants to make a mark in football. If you remember well last season, he was the one who was training the goalkeepers after Andrew Sparks left the club. He is someone who is very determined that is why he has been given this role. He has the support and everyone just wants him to succeed because they know how badly he wants it."

This source also stated that Sandiland's character of humility and excellent professionalism had impressed management to such an extent the club is willing to assist him kickstart his coaching career.

Sandilands represented Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana during his playing career, too.

Orlando Pirates stalwart Happy Jele to slot into non-playing role after impending retirement

Stalwart Orlando Pirates defender Happy Jele is being set up for a non-playing role once his glittering career comes to a conclusion in the near future.

As reported Sports Brief, Jele enjoys the distinction of being a one-club man, having turned out in the famous-black-and-white colours since 2006, when he arrived from amateur club Walter Stars. He has already broken the legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Williams Okpara's appearances record, with well over 400 since his debut.

Jele's current contract expires at the end of June with the option of an additional year.

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