Jabu Pule back in action
Jabu Pule back in action

Posted in News on Mar 19, 2003.

Unsettled Kaizer Chiefs midfield maestro Jabu Pule will return to action on Friday when the Amakhosi reserve side participates in the official handing over of the Huhudi Stadium in Vryburg.

Vryburg major Dr RS Mompati will be giving the stadium to the community and the Amakhosi side will play against a Vryburg Invitational XI.

Pule, who last played on December 22 in the 0-0 Premier League draw against Manning Rangers at Kings Park Soccer Stadium, will, however, not be the only first team player to feature in this event.

According to team manager Bobby Motaung midfielders Thabiso Malatsi, Nhlanhla Mathebula and striker David Radebe will also be travelling with the reserve team.

"The organisers have specifically asked for Malatsi's presence while Pule and Mathebula will use this match to regain match fitness. Radebe has three bookings and will not be in camp with the rest of the guys and we decided he should also feature in this event," said Motaung.

Motaung also added that the Amakhosi team would play a friendly match in Klerksdorp next Friday as they do not have any Premier League commitments.

Three Chiefs players - goalkeeper Brian Baloyi, defender Cyril Nzama and midfielder Stanton Fredericks - have been called up to the national team for the international friendly against Madagascar on March 29.

According to PSL rules, if a club has three or more players on national duty they will be entitled to postponement of their league fixtures.

The Amakhosi technical staff will also use this opportunity to assess Ghanaian trialist Granini, who has been training with the Glamour Boys for over a week. The Ghanaian midfield-cum-striker has been invited over as Chiefs begin their planning for next season.

The Vryburg friendly will be a welcome boost for Pule, who has been out of action since January following a three-month suspension handed down to him for missing training without permission. His suspension comes to an end on March 31 and the technical team will use this event to help Pule regain match fitness.

The former national under-23 and 2001-2002 PSL Players' Player of the Year could make his official comeback in the league match against Black Leopards on April 5. This, however, hinges on his match fitness.

The youngster has been training with the team throughout his suspension and the only real worry has been the fitness aspect. Most of the local papers had reported that Pule was likely to make a comeback in the Soweto derby, but that was merely a far-fetched suggestion.

Should Pule be ready to face Leopards, he will only have four or five matches to feature in before the end of the season. He could also see a bit of cup action should Amakhosi clear their first hurdle in the Absa Cup first round against FC Sporting.

Share this article: