Chippa United co-coach Thabo September has explained how and why the Chilli Boys went after Andile Jali, insisting his influence goes beyond contributions on the pitch.
Jali, 34, was without a club after leaving Moroka Swallows following the club’s financial troubles in December.
His agent Mike Makaab did confirm that Jali was considering retirement but opted to go again, when Chippa Mpengesi came calling – with September explaining what the veteran midfielder will add to the squad.
“Andile was retired in his mind already so we had to have a talk with him,” he said during the graduation of the CAF B Licence course.
“He’s not just an ordinary player, he’s a player who can make a big influence in the squad, so we want that.
“We know his legs are not going to carry him the whole season, so we have to manage that.
“But the influence he is going to bring, because we’ve got a lot of young players we’ve brought through this season, he’s going to help in terms of guiding them.
“He has a big, big role to play for us this season and he’s a home boy from the Eastern Cape, that’s also going to help the club in terms of supporters, to bring in the numbers in the stadium.
“He’s playing a major role for us, it’s not just about football.”
