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Mamelodi Sundowns and midfielder Andile Jali will go their separate ways this week, his agent has confirmed to SABC Sport.
It was no secret this would be the outcome following reports that the 33-year-old had stopped training with the club after allegedly arriving at their Chloorkop base under the influence of alcohol.
Jali hasn’t played for Downs since February against Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup round of 32, coming on as a substitute.
For many, this was a clear indication already that his future at the club was in doubt despite being crowned midfielder of the year the season before.
“We are in the process of finalising a mutual termination, which will be done during the course of this week. He will leave on a positive and amicable basis,” the player’s agent, Mike Makaab of Prosport International, said.
Jali joined Sundowns as a free agent from Belgian topflight side KV Oostende in July 2018 under then coach Pitso Mosimane.
In that period he has won five league titles, including the 2022/23 season that has just ended with the Brazilians crowned champions – but he had long stopped training with Downs when they were handed the trophy last week.
“An official statement will come from the club, but when a “new coach” comes in to the building…he has his own thoughts and ideas, and we have to respect that and so does AJ,” the agent added.
“I know that Sundowns are very appreciative of the value that Andile has brought to the club and he is too of the way he was welcomed. He wore the captain’s armband, which is one of the great achievements. There’s absolutely nothing else other than purely technical reasons.”
Makaab refused to divulge information on where the former Orlando Pirates anchorman will play his football next.
He has been linked with several DStv Premiership clubs.
“We are trying to finalise the issue with Sundowns out of respect for both parties. He wants to play, he believes he’s got two more years at least. He was outstanding last year and good in the first few months of this season – but things can change. We will have to play it by ear now,” explained Makaab.
“Then we have to get him ready for pre-season. He’s got a personal trainer at the moment and he is very motivated for the next chapter. I still believe, and this is my opinion, that he is the best No.6 in the land.”
