Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena is backing talismanic midfielder Andile Jali to extend his stay at the club.
Jali's current contract with the reigning DStv Premiership champions is set to expire in June 2023, with the midfielder free to sign a pre-contract with any in the January window.
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The 32-year-old was on the bench when the Brazilians claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over Orlando Pirates in a DStv Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday.
Jali is believed to be attracting admiring glances from Kaizer Chiefs, but Mokwana is confident that the Eastern Cape-born midfielder will extend his stay.
"AJ is a very important player for us and important for the future of this football club," Mokwena said.
"He has incredible leadership qualities, and is important to have around, with his mentality and insight.
"I even use him as a fourth assistant coach, to tell you the truth, he sits on the bench, and he gives me a lot of information in what he sees.
"He has got incredible experience, AJ.
"Apart from the human qualities, which is something we appreciate and love to have within the club, that's from the football perspective.
"The financial and contractual issues are handled in the different departments at the football club.
"I am sure as soon as there is an update, the club will issue a statement."
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