Jali needs to be patient – Pitso
Andile Jali rolled back the years this past Saturday with a brilliant performance when Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed Congo Brazzaville side Otoho d’Oyo 4-0 in the Caf Champions League preliminary round.
Andile Jali of Mamelodi Sundowns during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and AS Otoho d’Oyo at Lucas Moripe Stadium. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
According to the club analytics, the former Orlando Pirates anchorman had an 86% successful pass rate out of 87 passes, he made four successful tackles and regain the ball 89% of the time. This has impressed his coach Pitso Mosimane.
“He will play, he must remain patient, he did well and we have acknowledged his contribution and he must just know that he is part of that team and there are many players in that position,” said Mosimane.
READ: The ball is really in your court, Pitso advises Billiat
The introduction of former Polokwane City player Sammy Seabi has increased the competition for a starting berth in the central midfield alongside skipper Hlompho Kekana, who is most likely to start more games than any of Mosimane’s midfielders. And this may see Jali continue to battle with game time since joining the Brazilians over a year ago as he has spent more time on the stands than on the pitch or as an option on the bench. This season, he is yet to make a domestic appearance for Masandawana.
“I need him to move to different areas at times but he will learn from it. He is doing well and he has got a lot of competition where he plays. For example Sammy Seabi who played very well against Chippa. Tiyani Mabunda played well in Congo and but he hasn’t been playing (a lot). Oupa Manyisa has been waiting for his match. That space is a little bit of a difficult space because there are a lot of good players competing for nearly the same position,” said Mosimane.
With Rivaldo Coetzee out injured, Jali could make another start for Sundowns against Bloemfontein Celtic tonight.
The game is set to take place at Dr Molemela Stadium at 7.30pm
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