Rulani highlights Jali's importance for Mamelodi Sundowns' future

SABC Sport reported recently that the two parties are at an advanced stage of finalising new contract terms for the 32-year-old. 

The coach is positive about the outcome of the ongoing negotiations but prefers to leave it up to the Sundowns hierarchy to provide a more detailed update. 

The contractual and financial issues are handled in a different department at the football club, and I'm sure that as soon as there is an update to be given, the club will issue that," said Mokwena.

He further noted that Jali, who has six months left on his existing deal, has a huge role to play at Chloorkop. 

"AJ [is] a very important player for us. Important for the future of this football club – incredible leadership qualities, very important to have around," he added.

"The mentality, his insight, and I use him even as a third or fourth assistant coach to tell you the truth because he sits on the bench [and] he gives me a lot of information in what he sees, he's got incredible experience.

"And [that is] apart from the human qualities, which is something that we appreciate and love having within the club, so that's from a football perspective."