Mamelodi Sundowns’ contract negotiations with midfielder Andile Jali have
been anything but straightforward. With Jali’s contract set to expire at
the end of the season, the former Orlando Pirates midfielder has been
linked with several DStv Premiership clubs, such as Kaizer Chiefs, Cape
Town City and AmaZulu.
According to reliable sources, the sticking point in Jali not signing a
new deal at Chloorkop appears to be a new proposed salary package and
guarantees on whether he would get game time going forward. Despite his
camp’s willingness to leave his future in the Brazilians’ hands, the two
parties have yet to come to an agreement.
Jali had one of his best seasons in his career last term, after he was
named MTN8 Player of the Tournament, Aka ‘Last Man Standing’, Nedbank Cup
Player of the Tournament and DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season, as
a vital member of a treble-winning Sundowns. However, he has featured much
less this season.
Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena recently told the media that he values
Jali’s input in technical matters and he even uses him as his third or
fourth assistant. Mokwena also confirmed that he is keen to keep Jali in
the team beyond June 2023, but his contract situation is now being dealt
with by a different department.
