Andile Jali’s agent, Mike Makaab, has revealed that several clubs have shown interest in the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, whose contract runs out in the June.
Jali, 33, has been out of the Masandawana squad since the beginning of February when reports appeared that he had allegedly arrived under the influence of alcohol to training.
Head coach Rulani Mokwena defended Jali and teammate Sipho Mbule, who also found himself in hot water, saying all humans make errors.
But while Mbule returned to the squad, Jali has remained on the sidelines and it looks like he will not make another appearance for the club.
Makaab admitted it’s unlikely that Jali will stay beyond his contract at Chloorkop and revealed that some interested clubs have already enquired about him.
“Nothing is impossible in football, but I don’t think it’s highly likely,” he said on Gagasi FM.
“I think it’s clear that the team doesn’t see him in their plans going forward and we have to respect that. If that is the case than AJ himself, he’s a mature player… He needs to be in an environment where he is being given an opportunity to play.
“And again I’m not blaming Mamelodi Sundowns. Look at what Sundowns are doing, they are doing remarkably well. It’s just that how these things sometimes end up in football.
“One has to act professionally when you’re in a situation like this. The club has acted professionally, AJ has acted professionally. There hasn’t been talk in the media.
“AJ needs to be at a football club where he is wanted and where he wants to be. Because I think if you have a good environment on both player-side and the club’s side, the chances of success are much higher.
“We all know what AJ is capable of doing. If a football club is interested in his services, we’re open to listening.
“We’ve had a number of clubs contact us and I’m not at liberty to divulge those names just yet. But I’m hoping that sooner than later we’ll be able to give you a heads up as to where discussions are going.”
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Jali had been linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, but Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. recently dismissed those rumours, with Makaab saying he cannot force the matter even though he will try to put it as an option on the table.
“I will make that recommendation and this is the honest truth,” Makaab said when a listener told the agent that he should recommend Jali to Chiefs.
“But, I’ve always been one person that doesn’t force issues. I believe that the most successful deals happen naturally.”
