Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has highlighted the importance of Andile Jali for his side after being asked about the player’s contract situation.
Jali, 32, enters the final six months of his Masandawana contract on 1 January and would be free to sign with any side.
His agent, Mike Makaab recently stated that they will hold talks and aim “to find a solution with Sundowns” – but nothing has been announced since.
With Jali’s future seemingly in limbo, Mokwena discussed his importance to the club – on and off the field.
“AJ is a very important player for us,” he told reporters.
“[He is] important for the future of this football club, [he has] incredible leadership qualities, very important to have around – the mentality, the insight.
“I even use him as a third-fourth assistant coach to tell you truth because he sits on the bench, he gives me a lot of information what he sees. He’s got incredible experience, AJ.
“Apart from the human qualities, which is some that we appreciate and love having in the club, that’s from a football perspective.
“The contractual and financial issues are handled in a different department at the football club and I’m sure that when there is an update to be given, the club will handle that.”
