Andile Jali’s agent reveals why he chose Mamelodi Sundown over Kaizer Chiefs
- Andile Jali’s agent, Mike Makaab, has revealed why the Bafana Bafana star chose to sign with Mamelodi Sundowns instead of Kaizer Chiefs
- Makaab revealed that both clubs tabled similar financial offers
- Jali decided to sign with Sundowns because he felt it was risky signing for Chiefs due to the club having no head coach at present
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Bafana Bafana star midfielder Andile Jali’s agent, Mike Makaab, has revealed why he chose to join Mamelodi Sundowns and not Kaizer Chiefs. Jali was believed to be personally in favour of signing with the Soweto giants but in the end, opted to sign a deal with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Makaab said Jali’s decision was based on the general lack of stability at Kaizer Chiefs and specifically to the club not having signed a head coach to replace Steve Komphela.
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Makaab said his client felt it would be a risk to sign with Chiefs while there was no certainty about who would be coaching the side for the foreseeable future.
The other reason Jali chose Mamelodi Sundowns was a deep desire to compete (and win) in the CAF African Champions League. Sundowns will look to defend their African title in the new season.
Briefly.co.za gathered that money was not a consideration in Jali’s decision. Makaab revealed that both clubs had made similar financial offers to Jali which allowed the player to consider a variety of other options before making his decision.
Jali was the most sought-after signature in the off-season. He returned to South Africa after a three-year stint with KV Oostende and made it clear that he wanted to play in the PSL next season.
Jali was almost immediately the subject of an intense bidding war between the PSL’s big three teams with Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns publicly stating their interest in signing him.
Goal.co.za reported that Jali wanted to join Kaizer Chiefs due to the club’s glamorous reputation and long history in the sport. He ultimately decided against joining the coach less side.
Jali’s decision was facilitated by having worked with Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane while he was at Bafana Bafana. Jali will also have the opportunity to work with his old teammate from Orlando Pirates Oupa Manyisa.
Makaab played an important part in helping his client come to a decision which both felt comfortable.
Makaab said part of his role as an agent was to look at the various offers both in financial and personal terms. Makaab said he also looked into how the club treated its players and what future any particular club could offer a player.
Jali’s first potential appearance in Mamelodi Sundowns colours could be at the Shell Helix Ultra Cup which takes place on 21 July. Sundowns will face Kaizer Chiefs in the first big match of the pre-season.
Makaab noted that at 28-years-old Jali’s financial situation was less of a concern than it would be for a younger player. He said of greater importance to Jali was ensuring the final years of his career would be played in a competitive side.
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Source: Briefly News
