Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Bruce completely closed the door to Andile JaliPossible return to the national team.
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After announcing the Bafana Bafana squad for the two international friendlies against Sierra Leone and Botswana, Bruce was asked about Jalli.
And that’s because he has changed his mind about Themba Zwane, who is included in the latest Bafana Bafana squad.
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Bruce initially overlooked Zwane because he was in his late 30s, and his return to the lineup gave hope to other veteran players.
Jalli is not among those veterans, however, as Bruce said he does not think the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder will return to the Bafana Bafana squad.
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What Bruce wasn’t prepared to do was qualify his response, saying he didn’t want to disrespect the nation the way he did earlier in the year.
BAFANA BAFANA COACH HUGO BRUCE SAYS NO TO ANDILE JALI
“If you’re talking about Andile Jali, I think not,” Bruce said after announcing his latest squad on SABC 1.
“Yes, but again, when I said what I said three quarters of a year ago, I don’t want to disrespect the nation again,” he added.
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WHAT HUGO BRUZ SAID EARLIER ABOUT ANDIL JALI
Bruce admitted in March that he knows Jalli from his time in Belgium and that the level of international football is higher than in the national leagues.
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Bruce also said that Jalli was not his type of player as modern football demands a lot in terms of ball recovery and strength in midfield.
And he still seems to be sticking to his guns, despite Jali’s brilliant and dominant performances at Sundowns over the past two seasons.
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“It is my choice not to choose Andile Jali. The level in international football is higher, it is not the same as here in the league. Modern football demands a lot, return the ball, power in the center. He’s not my type of player,” Broos said on SA FM at the time.
“The same goes for Thembo Zwane… He is also an older player… The next Afcon is in 2023, he will be 33 next year when Afcon comes again… Also guys I can’t have 8 or 9 Sundowns players in the squad, what does that say?” he asked.
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Bruce named six players from Sundowns and four from Orlando Pirates in the latest Bafana Bafana squad, which includes Zwane.
