Andile Jali Sundowns Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates

Jali is not closer to a deal as we thought. Image: iDiski Times

Is Kaizer Chiefs target Andile Jali still a top PSL player or has he become a cow?

Andile Jali has enjoyed a stellar career at the top level, but it’s time for a change of scenery for the reported Kaizer Chiefs target.

Andile Jali Sundowns Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates

Jali is not closer to a deal as we thought. Image: iDiski Times

Andile Jali was was wanted by Kaizer Chiefs but it seems as though they’ve dropped their interest. Obviously, a quality player doesn’t just become bad overnight though.

ICYMI: Kaizer Chiefs will be linked with Andile Jali until the cows come home

FORGET JALI: Chiefs should bid for this talented PSL midfielder


Jali has an enviable CV

Andile Jali has enjoyed a a career that most players could only dream of and envy from afar. He spent four years in Belgium with Oostende when he was at the peak of his powers. In South Afirca, he’s won 12 major honours across stints with PSL giants Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. You can name local players who are more decorated on one hand.

Jali has won 49 caps for Bafana Bafana too. A player who has achieved have achieved all of this is no joke. At 32, however, he’s reaching the twilight years of his career. He’s not finished by any means, but Jali’s influence on big matches is starting to diminish. His astounding individual performances for Sundowns in 2021-22 felt like a swansong.

EXCLUSIVE: Kaizer Chiefs to extend midfielder’s contract

ICYMI: Why Njabulo Blom will outgrow the MLS within two seasons


Kaizer Chiefs need young players for their rebuild

Jali turns 33 next month. Not only is he not getting younger, he’s not getting any better at this point. This is quite normal for footballers at the elite level. It might be time for him to try out a different league, or a PSL club with less pressure and not so much of the spotlight and media fishbowl environment. Hey, maybe he can even enjoy the final few years of what has been a superb career.

Andile ‘Gattuso’ Jali has earned the right to do that at the very least.

Sundowns Andile Jali Kaizer Chiefs
Andile Jali of Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2023 Nedbank Cup match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 07 January 2023 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix.

OPINION: Here’s why Benni McCarthy should leave Manchester United

For more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game, hit up James Freemantle.

Meanwhile, follow The South African on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news updates