Chiefs' star Pule goes AWOL again

Kaizer Chiefs' enfant terrible Jabu Pule has done it again.

The wayward genius, who has been described as the current generation's answer to the legendary Nelson "Teenage" Dladla because of his ball-juggling skills, has been suspended until he appears before a Chiefs disciplinary committee.

The Daveyton-born Pule has not attended the club's training sessions for two weeks. He was last on duty when Chiefs lost 1-0 to Orlando Pirates in the Charity Cup.

It is the second time in three months that Pule has missed training. He was busted in April for going on a drinking binge with a team-mate, missing training as well as a crucial league match which Chiefs lost 1-0 against Free State Stars - a loss that probably cost them the league title.

After his shenanigans last season, Pule and his partner-in-crime Patrick Mbuthu were docked a month's salary each.

Chiefs representative Putco Mafani said the club can no longer tolerate Pule's indiscipline.

Chiefs are scheduled to play Wits University in their opening 2001/2002 league match at KaNyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Wednesday.

"Chiefs will consider severe punishment for Pule," said Mafani.

"We are extremely disappointed in his unprofessional behaviour after every attempt to salvage the situation has failed."