Chippa United have now officially confirmed the signing of former Bafana Bafana midfielder Andile Jali on a one-year deal.
The Eastern Cape-born player will bring significant experience to the club, aiming to improve their 12th-place finish from last season.
“Chippa United FC is delighted to announce the signing of the prominent Andile Jali for the upcoming season,” the post read. “Born in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, Jali left the province to pursue a successful career in both international and domestic football.
“He is finally returning to his home province, bringing his wealth of experience and skills to strengthen our squad.
“Welcome back to the Eastern Cape Mhlekazi!” read an official statement from the Chilli Boys.
Jali has been a free agent for six months after parting ways with Moroka Swallows in December 2023.
The 34-year-old began his professional career in 2007 with Pretoria University and gained prominence at Orlando Pirates from 2009 to 2014, making 98 appearances, scoring eight goals, and winning six trophies.
He made his international debut for Bafana Bafana in 2010, earning 49 caps and scoring five goals.
In 2014, Jali moved to KV Oostende in Belgium, where he played for four years before returning to South Africa to join Mamelodi Sundowns.
At Sundowns, he helped secure four consecutive league titles from 2018 to 2022 and won eight trophies between 2018 and 2023.
Jali’s time with Moroka Swallows ended in controversy when he was dismissed for participating in an illegal strike. This led to Swallows being fined and docked six points.
Jali’s dispute with the club before the PSL’s dispute resolution committee resulted in him losing the case and being ordered to pay costs.