Mamelodi Sundowns need to support troubled star Andile Jali.
This was the sentiment of the Tshwane giants’ head coach Pitso Mosimane after Sundowns were dumped out of the Telkom Knockout by Baroka.
A goal from the penalty spot by Mduduzi Mdantsane and an own goal by Reyaad Pieterse saw Sundowns once again fall short in their attempts to claim Cup glory this season.
Meanwhile, ahead of the clash much was said about the 28-year-old midfielder, who signed for Masandawana at the beginning of the season following a stint abroad.
The tough-tackling player was in the media as his alleged off-field issues came to the fore.
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Nonetheless, Mosimane has publicly backed Jali to succeed at Sundowns, and stated that the club will try their best to help him rediscover his best form.
“Andile is a good football player and we are happy with him. Our job is to make sure that he plays more and better,” Mosimane was quoted as saying by Phakaaathi .
“He is in a good space and good environment at Sundowns, we will make sure that we support him to play football. He is here to play football. If he needs external support, we will do that, it is our job,” he added.
Despite all his alleged off-field issues, Mosimane has chosen to focus on his on-field abilities and recently showed his faith in the star by fielding him from the start against Baroka where he marshalled the midfield in the absence of influential captain Hlompho Kekana.
“He is not the first one who we support, we have supported a lot,” Mosimane added.
“Not only at Sundowns, if you look at the PSL, every club has a player who needs help, so we are there,” Mosimane concluded.
After being dumped out of the tournament, Sundowns’ focus now turns back onto the league as they host Free State Stars in midweek.
