After snubbing Kaizer Chiefs for Mamelodi Sundowns, the agent of South African midfielder Andile Jali, has revealed the reasons behind his choice.
The former KV Oostende midfielder was expected to join Amakhosi as reports suggested that he was inching closer to an agreement with the Soweto giants.
However, he decided to snub the coachless Chiefs and linked up with his former Orlando Pirates teammate, Oupa Manyisa, at Chloorkop.
With the Premier Soccer League's ‘Big Three’ having expressed interest in the former University of Pretoria midfielder, his agent Mika Makaab of ProSport International revealed that choosing a club that is still searching for a coach was risky for his client.
The former coach also said money was not an issue behind the move to Tshwane because both the Brazilians and Chiefs tabled a similar package.
On the other hand, the agent said with Jali having previously worked with Pitso Mosimane at the national team, it made it easy for the player to choose the reigning PSL champions.
“Jali’s situation was very difficult, but because I have principles that I follow despite challenges,” Makaab told Isolezwe.
“I usually look at what the club puts on the table and I also look at the future of the player whether or not the club puts its interests ahead of the player’s,” said the agent.
“You will remember that Jali is 28 years old. So, money should be good. We all know that a football career can be shortened. So, it is important to take a good look at all of these things," continued Makaab.
"There are two reasons which led to Jali deciding to join Sundowns - the first one is that Chiefs have no coach,” explained the player’s representative.
“Jali said he could not play for a team which has no coach and at Sundowns, Pitso and Jali have long known each other at Bafana Bafana. So, he said he would be glad to work with him again,” revealed Makaab.
“The second reason is that Jali wants to play in the Caf Champions League," concluded Makaab.
With the Brazilians set to face off against the Glamour Boys in the Shell Helix Cup on July 21 at the FNB Stadium, Jali could make his first appearance in a Sundowns shirt.
However, he will have to impress Mosimane and his technical team for him to start ahead of players such as skipper Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda and Oupa Manyisa among others.
