ONE of the players who will always be talked about in South African football, Andile “Mhlekazi” Jali, has called on the players in the four teams who have the chance to win the Nedbank Cup title on the importance of holding on to this opportunity as he did and finally found greener pastures followed by a comfortable life.
The conclusion of the international games points to the return of Nedbank with the semi-finals to be played at different venues this weekend.
The match between Durban City and Casric Stars will start on Saturday 3rd November, at Chatsworth Stadium in Durban, followed by TS Galaxy and Milford FC on Sunday at the same time, at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, KwaMhlanga.
Although there is a feeling that the exit of teams considered to be hundreds of Premier Soccer League (PSL) in this competition has reduced the excitement, but Jali sees it differently.
“It is a naive view that the final will be a bad match because it is against teams that do not have many fans, Nedbank’s main objective is to support those who need it,” said Jali inOf this country yesterday afternoon.
“My biggest wish is for the players, especially the young ones who play for the remaining teams in Nedbank, to use me as an example.
“It is because of the Nedbank Cup that Mzansi football fans know Jali, but if (Jali) humbled himself, nothing would be known about him.
“I wish the young players of the PSL teams to always remember this tournament for the opportunities it opened up, as it happened to me, I ended up playing for teams that were considered as hundreds and even went overseas. Look now, this is the one that brings me back as an ambassador.
“My message to the young players is to not give up this opportunity to express themselves because I was also highlighted by Nedbank which was followed by me going overseas,” said Jali (35) who won the league with Orlando Pirates Mamelodi Sundowns.
Confirmed onOf this country that he has planted cocoa beans and that he has focused on being a livestock farmer.
“I’m not a professional football player anymore. I’m focused on being a farmer and riding motorcycles,” said Jali.
Before talking to Jali who stood out for Bafana Bafana and KV Oostende from Belgium, this newspaper talked to Nthabiseng Matshekga who is the head of the marketing department at Nedbank.
“We expect a lot this weekend from the four teams who have given themselves the opportunity to go home with this trophy and the trophy to represent South Africa in the Caf Confederation Cup,” said the official.