Orlando Pirates are in pole position to land the signature of Andile Jali, who recently parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Jali’s five-year stint with Sundowns was officially brought to a halt recently when the club announced his departure.
ANDILE JALI NOT SHORT OF SUITORS
Of course, the gritty midfielder had been away from the club since February. Following his exit from Sundowns, Jali has not been short of suitors, with a number of clubs locally and abroad eager to have him.
The 33-year-old is one of the country’s best central defensive midfielders, hence the interest.
Recent reports were that he turned down advances from African champions Wydad Casablanca of Morocco. On home soil, AmaZulu and Stellenbosch FC were also said to be keen on his services.
However, FARPost has gathered that his former club, Pirates, stand a better chance of signing him.
The Buccaneers are off to the CAF Champions League next season and are looking to bolster their squad.
With his experience on the continent at club and country level, the veteran midfielder would undoubtedly add depth to the squad.
ORLANDO PIRATES CLOSING IN ON ANDILE JALI
A source close to the player revealed that discussions were already on course, with a short-term deal on offer.
“It’s a short-term deal they’re offering. Pirates stand a better chance because he prefers to be in Gauteng. Should they agree on the monetary part of the deal, it’s all pointing to Pirates. Stellenbosch did express interest, and it was clear they couldn’t meet his salary demands,” the source told FARPost.
Interestingly, Jali left fans guessing about his next move after posting a picture of himself in a Bucs jersey a few days ago.
Jali burst onto the scene in 2017 with Pretoria University and spent two seasons there before switching to Pirates.
His next destination was Belgian outfit K.V Oostende where he spent four years before returning home to join Sundowns.
Jali will know a thing or two about challenging for league titles, having won six. Two of them were with the Bucs, while four were in Sundowns colours.
He was also part of the team that lost in the 2013 CAF Champions League final. After lifting two domestic trophies in his maiden season, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will be looking to challenge for the DStv Premiership title.
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