Happy Jele step in as goalkeeper during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium on February 15, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Jele had to don the gloves and mind the posts when Jackson Mabokgwane was sent off during the Buccaneers’ 2-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits.
Khune started off by praising Jele’s skill. “I am impressed by Happy Jele’s skills as a keeper,” he tweeted.
He then followed it up with: “Jele has taken over as SA’s No.1 I’m impressed. Go for a clean sheet bro.”
But it was when he suggested that Jele was a better keeper than some that caused a storm on social networks.
“Jele makes a better keeper than most of us. Bafana needs you bro,” he said. Some took this as a jibe at other keepers who have failed to dethrone him as the country’s No.1.
Khune later clarified that he was not mocking Pirates, but rather admiring Jele. “Some people think that I’m mocking Pirates but all I’m doing is admiring a great job from their longest serving player.”