Sundowns’ Champions League Hopes Rest On Andile Jali’s Shoulders, Says Khanye

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger, Junior Khanye, has emphasized the importance of Andile Jali for Mamelodi Sundowns’ success in the Caf Champions League. Jali has stopped training with the team due to allegations of ill discipline and frustration over the delay in signing a new contract. The 32-year-old’s contract is set to expire on June 30, and talks for a new deal have yet to produce results.

Khanye sees it as a mistake to keep Jali out of the team, especially as Sundowns enter the crucial stages of their season. The Brazilians have entered the knock-out phase of the Champions League, and Khanye believes that Jali’s experience is crucial in this tournament, where even one mistake can lead to severe consequences.

Sundowns’ recent Champions League record has been poor, with the team failing to play to their potential in the knock-out phase, often ending in quarter-final exits. However, Khanye believes that Jali’s return can change this narrative, especially as they face Al Ahly in the knock-outs.

Khanye’s perspective is that Jali’s experience and skill in midfield can prove instrumental in challenging Al Ahly, a formidable opponent in the tournament. He suggests that playing both Jali and the talented, young South African diamond, Teboho Mokoena would be an excellent strategy for Sundowns.

Khanye’s argument is that Jali can play a box-to-box role, while Mokoena can play as a number six. This would allow the two to complement each other, with Jali’s experience and Mokoena’s talent making for a dynamic midfield pairing.

As the season draws to a close, the fate of Jali remains unclear. While the veteran midfielder can sign a pre-contract with reported suitors, including Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, or Cape Town City, there has been no update on his situation.

Overall, Khanye’s argument is that Jali is crucial to Sundowns’ success in the Champions League. With Sundowns’ history of exiting at the quarter-final stage, Jali’s return could help them overcome this hurdle and challenge for the elite continental club title that has eluded them for years.