Thabo Mngomeni has had his say over Andile Jali’s transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns, insisting that the Bafana Bafana midfielder owes Orlando Pirates fans an explanation as to why he dumped them.
Jali put an end to speculation regarding his future, when he was unveiled by the eight-time PSL champions last week Friday.
The former KV Oostende man was poised for a return to Mayfair, but according to the player’s agent, Mike Makaab, Jali’s former team failed to make a formal offer for his services.
There was no formal offer made
— Mike Makaab (@MikeMakaab) June 8, 2018
“In my view, it remains a personal decision for Jali and we really don’t know what was on his mind,” Mngomeni told Goal.
“We all know Sundowns is one of the best clubs in the league and in the continent and he might have wanted to fight and compete against the best.
“I am not saying Pirates is not, but we know Pirates players are mostly coming from the so-called small teams and Sundowns is the best when it comes to recruiting.
“I don’t think he will be happy to be benched because Sundowns have the likes of Manyisa, Hlompho (Kekana), (Tiyani) Mabunda and others, but then it’s up to him to challenge himself and fight for a place.
“Having said that, I think he has done his own homework on how things are at Sundowns and at Pirates, he will have to fight and some players do well when they face such challenges.
“Let’s just see how he reacts and behaves under such circumstances because it will not be easy, he will not just walk into the starting XI at Sundowns.
“I’m saying that if he fails to get a jersey after four months, he must forget, but he is a great player and is capable of challenging at Sundowns.
“They played together with Manyisa at Pirates, but I don’t think that is the reason why he joined Sundowns, but it’s because of testing himself against the best and win titles with his new club.
“Yes, the fans will be unhappy, there is no doubt about that, but they will understand in the long run that football is a job these days, but Jali must also tell the supporters why he decided to dump Pirates.
“There is no player without the supporters in the end and they also have to respect his decision because there is money involved – what we must do is to wish him all the best at Sundowns,” he concluded.
Photo: Gallo Images
-This story originally appeared on SportsClub.co.za
