The player is a free agent after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns two months ago and has kept the football fraternity guessing regarding his next destination, with his agent also recently suggesting a move to Asia was a possibility.

But it’s now likely Jali could remain in Gauteng as the Dube Birds are believed to be eager to land his services in the coming days and make him coach Steve Komphela’s first marquee signing.

Swallows on Sunday announced the appointment of Komphela on a one-year contract with an option to have it extended, luring the veteran mentor away from Sundowns where he still had another season to run.

The 56-year-old mentor could be the trump card in helping Swallows sign Jali considering the relationship between the two over the years – they have in the past displayed their public respect and affection for each other while both were still at Chloorkop and winning titles together.

Jali is a former Orlando Pirates player with 49 international appearances for Bafana Bafana and has spent time in Belgium at KV Oostende before he returned home to join Sundowns in 2018 – under then coach Pitso Mosimane.

The 33-year-old also has seven league titles under his belt – two with Pirates during their double-treble days, and five more during his stint with The Brazilians.

It’s understood Swallows are optimistic of adding him to their squad before the start of the 2023/24 season, but that all depends on the ongoing negotiations.

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