Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns star Andile Jali is back in his home province Eastern Cape.
CHIPPA UNITED SIGN FORMER ORLANDO PIRATES AND MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STAR ANDILE JALI
It’s been rapid times for the 34-year-old star from Matatiele, Eastern Cape. A short period with Moroka Swallows and extended time without a club has finally ended. The former Orlando Pirates number 15 has signed for the Gqeberha and East London-based side Chippa United.
“Chippa United FC is delighted to announce the signing of the prominent, Andile Jali, for the upcoming season. Born in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, Jali left the province to pursue a successful career in both international and domestic football,” the club said.
“He is finally returning to his home province, bringing his wealth of experience and skills to strengthen our squad. Welcome Back To The Eastern Cape Mhlekazi!”
AGENT SPEAKS OUT
In the meantime, Jali’s agent, Mike Makaab, has explained the reasons behind the move to Gqeberha.
“‘AJ’ and myself had a long discussion as to whether he wanted to continue or not. And to be honest with you, he was undecided,” Makaab said as cited by iDiski Times.
“And then I got this phone call from the Chairman Chippa. I call him Chairman. And the chairman and I had a long discussion and asked me what Andile [Jali]’s appetite was to continue playing. I said, if it’s the right project, and it’s the right environment for him, he could continue.
“But Andile’s given me his word that he will only make the decision if he’s 100% committed to playing the game again. Because he doesn’t want to be remembered as somebody that basically played football for the sake of playing the game. You know he wants to be influential.
“And I think the deciding factor, was the fact that, we all know that he is a Matatile boy. They call him the Mayor of Matatiele.
“So he’s from the Eastern Cape, and what better way to end your career than at a team whose home is in your province of birth.
“So, it made a lot of sense. There was a lot of emotion around it. ‘AJ’ was super keen when I told him who it was.
“We had two or three clubs that were interested, but this was the one club that really found the right cord in his heart. And it wasn’t difficult hey. From the moment he had made up his mind to the moment we signed the documents and it was probably 10 days in total.
“So, we’re just super excited. It’s a one-year contract, with a one-year option. And that’s the way both parties wanted it.
“It’s important that if Chippa exercises the option, it’s because Andile has contributed meaningfully to the football club. But, for me, it’s super exciting,” Makaab concluded on the Orlando Pirates legend.
The South African
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