Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder Andile Jali is not ready to hang his boots despite recent struggles to get a new team.
The 34-year-old was released by Moroka Swallows in the January transfer window after falling out with the management. The ex-South Africa international – and other senior players, had been accused of staging a go slow due to the club's failure to settle their dues as agreed.
Despite Jali’s decision to sue the club owing to what he felt was an illegal termination of his contract, the court held on to the Dube Birds’ decision to render the midfielder, and several other senior players, free agents.
It has been tough for Jali to get a new club owing to his age, explaining why some fans thought it was about time for him to retire.
Jali sets record straight about his future – ‘I want to continue’
Mike Makaab, who is the player's agent, confirmed Jali is ready to continue playing in South Africa’s top-flight football beyond this season as reported by iDiski Times.
“We had a meeting, [Andile Jali] has made the decision, he wants to continue playing,” the respected agent stated.
“Which is something I am happy with. Now the next thing is to look for opportunities for him and make the right decision.”
It is highly unlikely that top teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates – who had initially been linked to the player, will rekindle their interest for obvious reasons. However, mid-table teams can fancy their chances of getting Jali who has massive experience in Mzansi football.
Will Jali tone down? The midfielder needs to stay put if he gets another chance
Prior to joining Swallows, Jali – alongside Sipho Mbule, had fallen out with Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena after an alleged incident of drunkenness.
The duo was frozen by the no-nonsense 37-year-old tactician, but while Mbule made peace with the coach and retained, Jali was released.
It is not necessarily that incident which led to his exit, but it might have contributed to the decision. Against Swallows, Jali wanted the club to either compensate or retain him for the remainder of the season, but the former was cleared of any wrongdoing by the court.
For Jali to play a couple of seasons in the Premier Soccer League, he has no option but to work under set guidelines by whichever team he will sign for.
