Former Bafana Bafana international Andile Jali has been tipped to be a valuable asset to take Moroka Swallows to the next level after joining the Soweto giants this transfer window period.
The Dube Birds pulled off one of the transfer coups of this transfer window by signing former Orlando Pirates midfield maestro, Andile Jali, after parting company with Mamelodi Sundowns.
So far, Jali has shown a glimpse of why he registered as a huge statement signing for Maswaiswai. He has featured in four games for Swallows this season until he received a red card in the MTN8 quarter-final clash against his former employees, Sundowns.
The 33-year-old defensive midfielder was shown a red card following his dangerous tackle on the Brazilians star Teboho Mokoena, when Masandawana defeated Swallows 1-0 in the MTN8 tournament last month.
The ex-Masandawana captain Hlompho Kekana has explained how the arrival of Jali will add so much value to the rest of Maswaiswai’s squad, given his extensive experience of the beautiful game.
HLOMPHO KEKANA WEIGHS IN ON ANDILE JALI’S MOVE TO MOROKA SWALLOWS
“His experience is massive. Not taking anything away from his experience,” Kekana told FARPost.
“I know him as a player, he is a good player. He is a good competitor and a good performer. I know that his experience is going to be needed this year in particular for Swallows.
“There are also new players that have come into Swallows structure and I’m happy with the signings. On paper, they look very strong.”
HLOMPHO KEKANA FASCINATED BY ANDILE JALI AND LANTSHANE PHALANE COMBINATION
Kekana went on to state that he is fascinated by the combination of Andile Jali and Lantshane Phalane in the middle of the park.
“I’m quite interested in seeing the combinations in him [Andile Jali] and Lantshane Phalane in that midfield,” he added.
“They have got Dumisani Zuma who is very talented in half spaces and knows how to play in short spaces.
“They have also got Gabadinho Mhango who is very talented in front of goals. Also, not forgetting Tshegofatso Mabasa who can score, and also Kagiso Malinga in that expect.”
Kekana continued: “I believe they have a quite strong team. They just need to stay injury-free.
“I hope coach Steve [Komphela] has that strength to continue motivating these players to stay focused this season. I’m sure he is going to be important in making sure the players stay focused and motivated.”
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