Prominent agent Mike Makaab has admitted that there have been problems
surrounding Mamelodi Sundowns players Sipho Mbule and Andile Jali, but
believes that these issues have been exaggerated due to their histories.
Last week, reports emerged that the pair had come to training under the
influence of alcohol.
Makaab conceded that “problems existed” but made the example of Cristiano
Ronaldo, who had an impasse with his former coach Erik ten Hag at
Manchester United. Mbule was used as a late substitute in a draw against
Stellenbosch over the weekend, while Jali has been out of the squad for a
couple of weeks and is currently away from the team, with his contract
negotiations with the club dragging on.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that there has been some form of problem
that existed and there is also little doubt in my mind that these problems
will be sorted out,” Makaab said on his regular slot on Gagasi FM Sport.
“But these problems are evident at every single club everywhere in the
world. We had a situation with Cristiano Ronaldo which went on for months
and we’re talking about a football player that’s regarded as one of the
greatest players of all time.
Makaab suggested that he felt the situation was blown out of proportion,
as both players have somewhat of a negative reputation. “So I’d rather
focus on the positives and say that we all make mistakes and the sad thing
is when those mistakes are made by players who historically are seen to
have problems, they are highlighted,” he said.
Jali’s contract at Sundowns expires at the end of the season.
