Mamelodi Sundowns have announced they have parted ways with midfielder Andile Jali.
Jali, 33, was no longer an integral part of their tactical system, while talks over a new contract had stalled earlier in the year.
An initial one-year offer with an option to extend was rejected by the player and his representatives, iDiski Times understands, and on Saturday the club announced the player’s departure before the expiry of his contract by the end of June.
“The contract between Mamelodi Sundowns and Andile Ernest Jali which was due to conclude at the end of the current season, has been terminated by mutual consent,” the club said via a statement.
“We thank Andile for his contribution and wish him well for the future. The Club and it’s supporters will fondly remember his performances for Ka Bo Yellow.”
The midfielder had been out of the squad since the beginning of February when reports appeared that he had allegedly arrived under the influence of alcohol to training.
Head coach Rulani Mokwena defended Jali and teammate Sipho Mbule, who also found himself in hot water, saying all humans make errors.
But while Mbule returned to the squad, Jali has remained on the sidelines and did not make another appearance for the club.
Overall, Jali made 142 appearances for Sundowns, scoring three goals and setting up four more. He won five DStv Premierships, as well as one Nedbank Cup, one Telkom Knockout and one MTN8 trophy during his five years at Chloorkop.
His fall from grace came as a surprise to many after he won the DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season, the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament and the MTN8 Last Man Stading awards at the 2021/22 PSL awards.
