‘My problem with Rulani Mokwena is that he wanted to be my father’
· The South African
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali recently opened up about his rocky relationship with former coach Rulani Mokwena.
Jali joined Sundowns in 2018 and enjoyed a successful spell under then-head coach Pitso Mosimane, winning several trophies during his first two seasons at Chloorkop.
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His situation, hwowever, changed in 2022 when he found himself sidelined for much of the season before eventually leaving the club in 2023.
Speaking on the Arena Sports Show, the former Bafana Bafana midfielder revealed that he was uncomfortable with what he perceived as Mokwena’s overly personal approach to their relationship.
Rulani Mokwena and Andile Jali did not see eye to eye
“We had our issues. We had fun at times, but in the end, it wasn’t the same because he wanted to be like a father to me,” Jali said.
“You can’t be a father to me. I have kids, I have a family, I have a wife. I came here to work, you can’t be my father and tell me what to do. I know what to do and what not to do.”
Jali, however, spoke fondly about his time working under Mosimane, describing his relationship with the former Sundowns coach in positive terms.
“Yoh, it was nice,” Jali said.
“Pitso is the coach who today might not like you, but tomorrow he wakes up and wants to play you. He’ll catch you off guard, tell you you’re not starting, but on matchday you’re in the starting eleven.”
Jali’s relationship with Rulani Mokwena did not improve before his departure from Sundowns. The pair were involved in a heated exchange during a match, further highlighting the tensions that had developed between the midfielder and his coach.
His latest comments offer further insight into the strained relationship that ultimately formed during his final period at Chloorkop.