Former Bafana Bafana international Andile Jali has revealed how he plans to make coach Steve Komphela’s ‘job easy’ at Moroka Swallows in the new PSL season.
Swallows pulled off an extraordinary transfer on Friday evening as the Soweto giants announced the signing of Jali.
The move came as a surprise to many, as Jali was reportedly considering offers from other clubs, including Cape Town City, Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates, with an overseas team also reportedly in the race for the player’s signature.
JALI REUNITES WITH KOMPHELA
However, he ultimately decided to join Swallows, where he will reunite with former Sundowns coach Steve Komphela. Jali said he opted to pen a deal with the DStv Premiership side as he wanted to remain in Gauteng.
Jali worked with Komphela at Sundiowns, where their bond grew with their love for each other evident. This also played a big role in the transfer, a major coup for Swallows.
The 33-year-old had been a free agent for a month following his departure at Sundowns as the DStv Premiership champions did not renew his contract.
ANDILE JALI’S PENS TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH SWALLOWS
He’s been given a two-year contract at Swallows, as confirmed by the club’s chairman David Mogashoa.
The arrival of Jali is a sign that the club is serious about challenging for the title in the upcoming season. And the former Orlando Pirates and KV Oostende star will give the team a much-needed boost in midfield, and he is sure to be a popular figure among the fans.
OTHER SOCCER NEWS: Steve Komphela leaves Sundowns for Swallows in a surprise move
The former Orlando Pirates and KV Oostende midfielder will enter free agency and seek a new club.
Jali said he will work hard to ensure Komphela’s life is not difficult at Swallows. The former Bafana Bafana midfield grafter admits things won’t be easy because he’s being reunited with the coach.
“I want to say thanks to people who brought me here to Moroka Swallows and I can see that I’m joining another big team that is being rebuilt,” said Jali.
“I feel encouraged to be here and part of Moroka Swallows. Nothing is going to be easy. I’ve to work hard to make the coach’s job easy. If I don’t work then everyone will do the same. That he’s my former coach means nothing, all of us are here to work.”
Jali is a highly talented player who has won numerous trophies throughout his career. He is expected to be a key player for Swallows in the upcoming season.