Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has confirmed that he has engaged in negotiations with Andile Jali, but says they will only sign him if his demands are reasonable.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder recently became a free agent after parting ways with Belgian outfit KV Oostende with mutual consent.

Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are all said to be vying for the 28-year-old’s signature, but the former African Coach of the Year revealed that Masandawana have approached Jali’s representatives with the view of signing him.

‘Can we afford him? We are talking to his people. He is an important player, but we are not in a hurry,’ Mosimane is quoted as telling City Press.

‘Sometimes it is not about money only. There are other factors we look at before signing a player. His attitude and behaviour off the field will also influence our decision.

‘We don’t want someone who will destabilise the dressing room,’ he added.

Mosimane elaborated on the factors which could put the deal in jeopardy from Jali’s side.

‘It will depend on his mind, finances and humility. Will it be that attitude of “I respect what I see and the brand”, or that attitude of “you know where I come from?” The talent is there and, with his match attitude, he can add value to us.’

The two-time PSL title-winning coach added that most players who return home from abroad tend to struggle to live up to expectations because of their attitude.

‘Who has really made it after coming back? You have a history of all those guys. You can count them: [Collins] Mbesuma, Aaron [Mokoena], [Steven] Pienaar, [Ayanda] Patosi and [Matthew] Pattison. The list is endless. It’s only Benni [McCarthy] who really made it because of his attitude and arrogance,’ he said.

‘When you come from overseas, it is not a given that you will be in the starting lineup. What happens when you are not? Are you going to walk straight into the team and say that you have a tag?’ he concluded.

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