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Close call but Jali chose Sundowns, says agent

Cape Town - Andile Jali's agent claims the midfielder's transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns was the "toughest" negotiation he has ever been involved in locally.

READ: Jali returns to Absa Premiership with Sundowns

The Bafana Bafana international had also been heavily linked with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates after leaving KV Oostende at the end of the season.

But Jali brought the speculation to an end on Friday when he penned a five-year contract with the Premiership champions, and Mike Makaab has subsequently explained the decision behind his move to Sundowns.

"He felt that maybe his playing style will be more suited for Sundowns," Makaab told the Sunday Tribune. "He took a long time to make the decision.

"Both teams had similar offers. You could have tossed the coin and it could have gone either way. At the end he wanted to join Sundowns.

"The other thing that Andile considered was the fact that he played for Orlando Pirates before and it was going to be difficult for him if he ended up at Chiefs.

"It wasn't easy at all. This is one of the toughest transfer I've ever done locally."

Makaab has brushed off concerns that the 28-year-old would struggle to fit in at Chloorkop, given the options Brazilians coach Pitso Mosimane already has at his disposal in Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Oupa Manyisa and Lucky Mohomi.

"Jali is in his prime of his career. That's why he signed a five-year deal. He is committed to Sundowns," his representative added.

"There's no concern maybe he might fail. He had four years of success in Belgium and is ready to prove himself.

"He is matured. He is more professional. Pitso sat down with him and explained what is expected of him. He is an experienced coach."

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