Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena will play a big role in deciding Andile Jali's future at the Chloorkop outfit.
The midfield anchor-man is nearing the end of his contract with the Brazilians and the defending champions haven't indicated if the veteran will be staying with the club beyond June.
Jali signed a five-year contract with the Chloorkop-based side in 2018 when he came back from Belgium club KV Oostende.
Read: Makaab Confirms Jali Absence, Praises Sundowns' Mokwena
The former Orlando Pirates star's agent, Mike Makaab, has previously stated that the contractual matter is unsettling for the Matatiele-born star.
Speaking to Gagasi FM recently, Makaab said he hoped for the parties to sit down and come to a conclusion with regards to the issue. The renowned intermediary added that there has been interest from the PSL and abroad for the 32-year-old.
Now, news making its way to the Siya crew is that Mokwena, as the club's head coach, will play a pivotal role in deciding Jali's future.
According to sources, the tactician is a big fan of the former Orlando Pirates player and is keen to have him at the club beyond his existing deal.
In December, Mokwena said Jali was important for the future of Sundowns and that he was more than just a player in the team. The coach said he used Jali as a 'third assistant coach' and that he was getting a lot of information from him from the bench.
Read: Agent Hopes To Bring An End To Sundowns' Jali Uncertainty
While contractual issues concerning Jali's future will be decided at managerial level at the club, Mokwena is expected to play a role in advocating for the star's services to be retained.
"As the head coach of the club, Rulani Mokwena will play a big role in deciding Andile Jali's future at Sundowns. But one thing about the coach, he likes hardworking players and Jali being one such player, he is in the coach's good books," noted a source.
Jali has been a notable absentee from Downs' most recent matches, including in the CAF Champions League, and it was confirmed recently that the player had taken some time off to visit home in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.
Should Jali remain at Sundowns or move on? Let us know in the comment section below!
