Pule joins Orlando Pirates

By Mark Gleeson
in Cape Town

Pule (left) has a history of drug and alcohol problems

Troubled South African midfielder Jabu Pule has signed a short-term deal with Orlando Pirates.

Twice sent to a rehabilitation clinic to overcome his drinking and drugs problems, Pule was sacked by SuperSport United late last year after missing several training sessions.

But Irvin Khoza, chairman of Orlando Pirates, said they have decided to take a chance on the former South Africa international, who has been kicked out at his three previous clubs.

"It's heartening he realises and accepts he has made mistakes and now uses those to motivate himself," he told the Sowetan newspaper on Thursday.

"[Signing him is] an effort from us to protect talent."

Khoza said the 25-year-old had responded well at Pirates training sessions in recent weeks, as the club decided on whether to offer him a deal.

Pule, who now wants to be known as Jabu Mahlangu (the surname of his recently deceased father), is expected to play against third division Hannover Park in a South African Cup quarter-final tie next weekend.

He is not eligible to play this Saturday when Pirates host AS Port Louis 2000 of Mauritius in the decisive leg of their African Champions League second-round tie.

Kaizer Chiefs were Pule's first club, where he was perennially in trouble for his wayward behaviour but forgiven on countless occasions because of his importance to the team.

But Chiefs' officials lost patience with Pule and refused to give him a new contract when it ended two years ago.

His fortunes were no different at Austrian club SV Mattersburg, where he lasted eight months before he was sent packing.

Jabu was asked to leave the club after crashing his car while under the influence of alcohol.

The midfielder has repeatedly apologised and sought forgiveness for his escapades, which have kept South Africa's tabloid press busy in the recent past.