Joining Sundowns would be the worst mistake by Jali

Andile Jali has been linked with a move away from KV Oostende

The possibility of Andile Jali joining Mamelodi Sundowns from KV Oostende could be the worst decision made by the player if the deal happens. Mamelodi Sundowns has proven not to be the ideal destination for players who joined the club from Pirates or were sold abroad by Pirates and joined Sundowns on their return.

Mamelodi Sundowns have been monitoring the player’s situation after he expressed his desires to leave the Belgian club for greener pastures in England. Championship side, Leeds United are also showing interest in the South African born midfielder.

The list of former Orlando Pirates players who failed to leave an impression at Chloorkop goes way back in the 2008/2009 season when Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi decided to join the chloorkop based team after spending one season at AaB Aalborg in Denmark.

“The little napoleon” as he was known by the Sea Robbers fans opted for big salaries of Mamelodi Sundowns instead of returning back to Orlando Pirates. Vilakazi’s decision proved to be a bad one, the midfielder made 37 appearance in three seasons at Mamelodi Sundowns and scoring four goals in the process as compared to 58 goals scored in 170 appearances for Orlando Pirates.

The same happened to Lebogang “Cheese-boy” Mokoena, during his Orlando Pirates days the midfielder was hot property in South Africa scoring goals left, right and centre.

His combination with Congolese striker, Lelo Mbele was probably the best in South Africa at one stage under Kostadin Papic and Bobby Mutombo respectively.

In the 2009/2010 season, Mamelodi Sundowns secured the services of the midfielder. During the seven season he spent with Mamelodi Sundowns, Mokoena made 62 appearances and managed to find the back of the net eight times.

Despite his Sundowns career being hampered by injuries, it is no doubt that the midfielder failed to leave an impression at Chloorkop.

Teko Modise’s name also comes to mind. The midfielder joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in 2011/2012 season. Despite winning midfielder of the season in the 2014/2015 PSL awards most people would agree that Modise’s best football years happened while he was with Orlando Pirates.

The right thing for Andile Jali would be to re-join Orlando Pirates if overseas deal doesn’t work out.