Andile Jali Sundowns Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates

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

Kaizer Chiefs and Andile Jali: Star-crossed lovers?

Kaizer Chiefs target Andile Jali has enjoyed a stellar career, but he’s surely past his best. Are their stars even aligned on this matter?

Andile Jali Sundowns Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates

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

Just like Romeo and Juliet all the way back when, Kaizer Chiefs and Andile Jali could prove to be an ill-fated PSL union

The 32-year-old midfield general is being linked with a move to Amakhosi on an almost daily basis now. However, is this a case of forbidden fruit?

EPL: Updated print and patches look slick!

ICYMI: Lionel Messi considering PSG exit and shock move?

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


JALI HAS AN ENVIABLE CV, BUT…

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 only.

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.

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

LOL: Five things that didn’t exist when Chiefs last won a trophy

Mamelodi Sundowns Andile Jali Kaizer Chiefs
Andile Jali. Image: @KM_Khanye / Twitter

KAIZER CHIEFS NEED YOUNGSTERS FOR A 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.

To complicate matters further, Jali’s Pirates legacy would cloud any move to Naturena.

ICYMI: Kaizer Chiefs never properly replaced THIS midfield great

ICYMI: Chiefs & Pirates MATHEMATICALLY out of PSL title race

Kaizer Chiefs Andile Jali Sundowns
Kaizer Chiefs Naturena Village in all its glory. Image: Ernest Makhaya

ICYMI: Do Kaizer Chiefs fans actually want the club to sign Andile Jali?


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