Head coach Steve Komphela was full of praise for midfielder Andile Jali following Moroka Swallows' goalless draw against Chippa United to go third in the DStv Premiership table.
The Dube Birds went pound for pound against Morgan Mammila' Chilli Boys at Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday night, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
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Although the Man of the Match award went to Lantshane Phalane, Komphela felt it could have just as easily gone to an equally deserving Jali.
"That's exactly what my dressing room was saying [That Jali played well]. Okay, Phalane did very well and the other question was it could have gone to AJ," Komphela said when asked on Jali's performance during the post-match press conference.
"This guy cuts balls, first passes, anticipates, and leads the team. Keeps the together, works and I think this is the second 90 minutes that he completes.
"To be honest, At the beginning of the journey, AJ was not at the level where he could complete 90 minutes.
"Remember Lucas Moripe [Stadium] he suffered a red card in the fourth minute and these are all things that come on top of you and again in the spotlight is on him.
"AJ doesn't need to be told what to do, you need to present him with scenarios to be solved. You sharpen a knife by brushing against a stone. That's what happens, I hope you understand."
Swallows return to action after the FIFA international break with a DStv Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on 29 October.
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