The name of Andile Jali and Orlando Pirates are being used in the same sentence more often in football conversations these days as the experienced midfielder is looking for a new club.
Jali recently became a free agent unexpectedly after his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns was terminated amid reports of off-the-field disruptions from his part.
Subsequently, the 33-year-old has been linked with both Pirates and rivals Kaizer Chiefs, as well as Cape Town City and Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, among other clubs.
After he reportedly turned down an offer from Wydad and with his agent Mike Makaab confirming in the media a meeting lined up with Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza for his clients at the Soweto giants, the reports of Jali possibly returning to the club he achieved some of his successes with, were fueled.
In his previous spell with the Buccaneers, Jali formed arguably the best central midfield partnership of the time in the league with Oupa Manyisa before he earned a big move to KV Oostende of Belgium in 2014.
Former Bucs midfielder, Hleza Mofedi, says Jali would be a welcome addition to coach Jose Riveiro's squad for their DStv Premiership and CAF Champions League campaigns next season.
The Good
"I think it would be a good move by Pirates to bring Andile Jali back to the club. He still has a role to play in the team and he has got the experience. Andile is a quality player and he would definitely add value at the club. With Pirates going back to Africa next season, his experience would be useful to the team. We are talking about a player here who has played in Africa and had been plying his trade overseas previously in his career, so he's got all the experience you need," said Mofedi.
The Bad
"The bottom line here is that Andile is a quality player and is experienced irrespective of the people's perception of him. You can say whatever about him doing this and that (outside of the football pitch), but when it comes to his job, he does it very well," he said.
The Ugly
"Yes, for him to go back to Pirates and do well, his discipline would have to be perfect. Pirates and Sundowns are two different teams and I can tell you that it's not easy there (at Pirates). But I'm sure Pirates will have a plan for him to behave just like they have for all the other players. It wouldn't be the first time that the chairman has worked with him and therefore there would be a way to manage him. I think he would come right under the guidance of the chairman and remain at his best. I don't think the fact that he joined Sundowns on his return from overseas would affect him in potentially re-joining Pirates. Andile is like a son to the chairman and therefore that shouldn't be an issue. I don't think he will be joining Chiefs and I'm confident that he will come back home," the former central midfielder added.
Excitement Levels High For Ezimnyama
"The coach has helped us a lot to bring back the glory days. I mean, after a long time without playing in the Champions League, the team will be participating in the next edition and it's all thanks to the coach and the players. I am excited about the trophies the team have won and finishing the season as runners-up in the league was notable progress," concluded Mofedi.
Should Pirates Bring Jali Back?
