Andile Jali Joins Mamelodi Sundowns

Former Orlando Pirates dynamite midfielder, Andile Jali, has returned to the Absa Premiership, only this time he’s joining newly crowned champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Jali has penned a five-year contract with Bafana ba style, which stretches to 2023, and will be reuniting with some of his former teammates including Oupa Manyisa, whom he formed a formidable partnership with while they were both still at Pirates. This move comes at the back of Jali’s stint with Belgian side KV Oostende, where he played for four seasons. The 28-year old midfielder became a free agent at the start of the year after his team agreed to terminate his contract.

Jali had been linked with a return to Orlando Pirates, where is glittering career began. Arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs were also in the running for the midfielder’s signature in their bid to beef up their midfield contingent. However, “Mhlekazi” as he’s affectionately known in the South African football streets,  seems to have settled the speculation with the announcement that he has joined the shoe shine and piano boys for the next five seasons.

Perhaps what will be more interesting is how coach Pitso Mosimane tries to accommodate Jali in Sundown’s already star-studded midfield comprising the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Themba Zwane, and Tiyani Mabunda. Will Jali break into Sundowns starting eleven? Will he improve Bafana ba style? Only time will tell.

In his own words speaking to Sundowns’ official website, Jali alluded, “I feel good to have signed for Mamelodi Sundowns. At last this deal is done. It’s been dragging for a long time. Now I can relax before the season starts. I have recovered from the injury, I am good to go. I passed the medicals. Now I am ready for Sundowns to tell me when to come to training.”

Transfers: Bafana Bafana talisman relishing PSL return from Belgian side, Oostende

South Africa’s acclaimed midfielder, Andile Jali, has revealed that he would be coming back to the local top flight league, ABSA Premiership after his contract with Oostende comes to a close at the end of the season. The 27-year-old midfielder has featured in Oostende’s 24 of their 30 matches this season, not shy to point out that he has enjoyed playing in front of the Belgian crowd. Jali cited the need to spend more time with his family as the major driver pulling him back to Mzansi.

“I have made up my mind, with my family, my wife. I have made up my mind that now is time to come back to my family.” - Andile Jali

He is currently back in South Africa, recovering from a knee injury and reports are suggesting that the former Orlando Pirates man could join Pitso Mosimane’s Mamelodi Sundowns on his return.

Andile Jali went, saw and conquered.