Chippa United are in pole position to land the signature of veteran midfielder Andile Jali ahead of the 2024/25 DStv Premiership season.
Jali is looking to make a highly-anticipated return to competitive football after parting ways with Moroka Swallows, who recently sold their top-flight status to Marumo Gallants.
The holding midfielder parted ways with Swallows in December 2023 following a salary dispute between the club’s management and players.
Jali has been a free agent for the entire second round of the previous season and he spent only six months with the Dube Birds. In his spell at Swallows, Jali featured in 13 appearances across all competitions and collected a handful of Man of the Match awards.
Before joining Swallows, the former Bafana Bafana star turned out for the league champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Jali signed for Masandawana in 2018 under the then-head coach Pitso Mosimane. He made 139 appearances in Downs colours and scored four goals. The 34-year-old central midfielder also played for AmaTuks, Orlando Pirates, and the Belgian side K.V Oostende.
Meanwhile, in recent weeks, Jali has been linked with a move to Premiership newbies Magesi FC; however, his agent, Mike Makaab, refuted the reports.
ANDILE JALI IN TALKS WITH CHIPPA UNITED
With the ex-Pirates midfield workhorse weighing his options, FARPost understands that Jali could be moving to Chippa United for the upcoming season.
Talks between Jali and the Chilli Boys are ongoing, and they could agree on a deal in the coming days should both parties reach a mutual solution.
“Andile Jali is currently having talks with Chippa United, and they are very serious about signing him. The team wants to build a very competitive team, that’s why proven winners like Jali are on the wishlist of the team,” a source close to the developments said.
“The fact that Chippa United released 16 players last week tells you that the team is eager to improve. Jali’s arrival could change the mentality in the squad.”
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