Midfielder Andile Jali ticks all the right boxes for Moroka Swallows’ coach Steve Komphela. The experienced former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates midfielder joined the Dube Birds in an eye-raising transfer after a sabbatical out of the game.
“Do we need a player of his calibre? Yes. Will he have the influence? Yes. Will he improve our team? Yes. Will he evolve other players? Yes,” Komphela explained to journalists at the launch of the DSTV Premiership 2023/4 season launch.
Andile Jali left league champions Mamelodi Sundowns while Steve Komphela was still part of the Chloorkop-based side technical team. The rumours surrounding the diminutive linkman’s departure from Downs did not stop Komphela from making Jali a priority signing when he was appointed head coach of the reborn Moroka Swallows.
Komphela is focused on getting Swallows back into the conversation when football pundits talk about the top four in South African football. The experience of players like Jali will certainly help Komphela’s mission.
“In the past, it was always Chiefs, Pirates, Sundowns, and Swallows. We want to return to that top four conversation,” said Komphela.