Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Andile Jali has reacted to winning the DStv Premiership Player of the Month award for December.
Jali has played 16 domestic league matches and scored one goal this season for Downs so far, helping the Tshwane giants to remain on top of the table with 14 points ahead of Orlando Pirates in the second spot.
The 31-year-old midfielder has shown gratitude to his teammates for their contribution towards his achievement and is proud to have picked up the award.
“Firstly, I want to thank my teammates because this award is not only for me, but it goes to show that the whole team is performing well,” he told club’s media department.
“This award means that in December we worked really hard even though our games were difficult and congested, we managed to achieve our goals as a team though it wasn’t everything that we wanted.
“It was tough going into back-to-back encounters, but as a team, we managed to recover well, knowing that every two days, there is a game to be played.
“We showed professionalism and discipline as players to help the coaches do less in instilling discipline. We knew what had to be done from the beginning of that month – the coaches emphasized that it was our turn to entertain the supporters and not for them to entertain us. Our focus was on entertaining the fans.”
‘AJ’ also says he is grateful for the support he had received from Masandawana fans and also gave credit to the team’s medical department for helping him to come back stronger after his recent injury.
“Our medical department worked extremely hard towards the recovery of my hamstring, they were committed and hands-on – guiding me on the exercises I should be doing daily. They played a big role in helping and leading me to where I am now,” he said.
“I am grateful for the support and love that people are giving me and the recognition. Winning this goes to show that there is something extra that I am doing, and I am thankful.”
