Andile Jali began his professional career at Orlando Pirates, where he played from 2009 to 2014. During his time at Orlando Pirates, he won several trophies, including two South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles and the CAF Champions League in 2013.
In 2014, Jali moved to Belgium to play for KV Oostende, a club in the Belgian Pro League. He spent three seasons with the team before returning to South Africa to join Mamelodi Sundowns in 2017.
Andile Jali decided to reveal why he decided to join Swallows ahead of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
Andile Jali joined Moroka Swallows earlier this week as he seemingly snubbed his former side Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. However, it is unclear whether both teams made official offers, but he has now revealed why he decided against joining a so-called big team.
Jali said, “You know sometimes when you have been in football for a long time and with experience there are people that guide you that’s an important thing in football”.
“So people that I’ve been talking to, some were saying I should stay and others were saying leave. I decided that I can’t stay where I’m not happy and you can’t play football if you are not happy. It doesn’t matter where you are, happiness comes first before playing for a team. So I chose to be happy over being at a big team.
“That’s what I told those who usually advise me that I choose my happiness over anything because I will end up not being okay inside and even towards my family,” he added.
Jali signed a two-year deal as he reunites with Steve Komphela. Komphela is expected to lure in a few more players with a player like Lesedi Kapinga – formerly with Sundowns – is now a free agent after the Premier Soccer League champions decided against renewing his deal.
Jali got his favourite No.15 squad number which he wore for Pirates, Belgian side KV Oostende and Downs while he also carried the number of his back a few times for Bafana Bafana.
