Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi says Andile Jali’s five nominations in the 2022 Premier Soccer League (PSL) awards are well deserved after the season he’s had.
Sundowns are on course for a domestic treble with the Nedbank Cup final on the horizon next week, while they have already secured the MTN8 and DStv Premiership title.
Jali has been integral towards their domestic domination this season while he also featured in all ten games en route to their CAF Champions League quarter-final run that ended against Petro de Luanda.
And while he’s been overlooked for national team selection by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, Mngqithi feels his nominations in this season’s awards fully vindicate the impressive performances he’s produced as their midfield anchor.
“It’s always encouraging when you players get selected or nominated for these wards because it shows that they have really helped the team in one way or another in these competitions,” he said at Chloorkop on Thursday afternoon.
“So to see ‘AJ’ in that space, he’s been very good for us, he’s fought very hard, he’s played more than 90% of the matches we’ve played and done extremely well.
“I believe he deserves to be nominated, as for Peter I feel everybody knows. He’s been a stalwart in our team, he’s given his life to the team and no wonder he gets nominated and Aubrey in the Nedbank Cup matches, he’s done very well and no wonder he’s been selected amongst the nominees.
“Also the fact that he comes from the Ke Yona team, maybe it also makes him a very interesting nominee within the group because he’s come a long way with Nedbank which I think is also considered in that space, so we’re very encouraged and happy that our boys are in that space and confident they have what it takes to win it.”
The 32-year-old has featured in 39 games in all competitions scoring twice and registering one assist in his defensive midfield role.
