Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why Andile Jali started on the bench as Sekhukhune United held them to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Jali was a surprise absentee in the starting lineup after an outstanding performance in the 4-0 victory against Kaizer Chiefs.
The former Orlando Pirates midfielder was pivotal in ensuring Masandawana won a treble in the previous campaign.
The 32-year-old’s heroics were rewarded as he won MTN8 Last Man Standing, Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament and DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season in the last season’s PSL awards.
After only managing two starts in four games, the Matatiele-born star has had a relatively slow start to the current season.
The former Golden Arrows mentor has shed some light on the decision to start the central midfielder on the bench against Babina Noko.
“Against Chiefs, we needed the personality and a little bit of arrogance which is why we played both AJ [Andile Jali] and Tebza [Tebogo Mokoena].
“Unfortunately, AJ had an abductor which we were not sure if he is 100%, and you don’t want to risk him because we still have a lot to get from him,” the 58-year-old tactician told the media.
The former University of Pretoria star made 22 appearances in the league last season.
It was his highest number of games played in one season since joining the Brazilians at the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign from the Belgian outfit K.V. Oostende.
The Bafana Bafana international scored one goal from a deep-lying position and contributed two assists in the 2021/22 season.
Meanwhile, the 2009 MTN8 winning coach has further given an update on the time Sundowns’ faithful might have to wait before seeing the newly signed Bongani Zungu in action.
“He’s still a little bit far because he was not part of the pre-season training, and he still has a little bit of work to do.
“He has not played in the longest of time, but we are hoping it will be shorter than two months because he’s a very disciplined boy who works very hard.
“He’s showing the interest to come and assist the team. So we look forward to the progress he’s going to make in the next three to four weeks,” he concluded.
