Jali – I Chose Happiness Over A Big Team

New Moroka Swallows midfielder Andile Jali says he chose happiness when making the decision over his next career move.

Jali left Mamelodi Sundowns after five years at the club where he won five consecutive league titles and was strongly linked with a return to Orlando Pirates.

However, the appointment of Steve Komphela at Swallows saw the Dube Birds act quickly and snap up the 33-year-old on a free transfer.

The pair notably shared a close bond during their time at Chloorkop and the reunion has now brought massive optimism surrounding the Soweto-based outfit, who will once again be known as Moroka Swallows after three years being revived as Swallows FC.

“You know sometimes when you have been in football for a long time…with experience there are people that guide you that’s an important thing in football,” Jali said on Gagasi FM about his move from Sundowns to Swallows.

“So people that I’ve been talking to, some were saying I should stay and others were saying leave. I decided that I can’t stay where I’m not happy and you can’t play football if you are not happy.

“It doesn’t matter where you are, happiness comes first before playing for a team. So I chose to be happy over being at a big team.

“That’s what I told those who usually advise me that I choose my happiness over anything because I will end up not being okay inside and even towards my family.”