The Chippa United technical team has issued the latest update on the fitness of their new marquee signing, Andile Jali, whom it was reported had been talked out of retirement by the Gqeberha-based side.
The club's assistant coach, Thabo September, assures the Chilli Boys faithful that their new star player will be in good condition by September 14 when the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season begins.
The midfielder appeared overweight in the photo of his reveal as a new signing at the beginning of July, sparking negative reactions from certain quarters of the football industry.
Crucially, though, it begged the question of whether the Matatiele-born star was really still interested in pursuing a career in football.
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Speaking to KickOff on Thursday, September said the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows man is showing enthusiasm at training as a senior player.
"Jali is doing very well. He is already a big influencer and a big impact on young players. It's good having him around the team," September reveals.
"He makes our jobs easier as coaches because he is always interacting with the young players and even the older players.
"He is helping players in terms of how we want to play. Having shared that with him, he is rubbing the idea to the players.
"He is already a good addition to the club and the team, especially with the young players," adds the former centre-back.
Furthermore, September assures Chippa supporters that Jali has not lost any of his passion for the game.
"His passion in terms of football is still there. He is bubblier, and he loves the game, and every time he comes to training, you can hear his voice as you come through the corridors of the change room.
"You can hear his voice and laughter around the players and the influence he's got. Even on the field, he is more vocal. He is very involved.
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"He's got a big impact in terms of South African players and South African football. Even if he were to retire, I think he must remain in the game to help players.
"He is not young, but by the time the league starts, he will be in good condition to play. He is getting slimmer and slimmer by the day. The only way for him to get slimmer is by working hard and remaining disciplined. I'm happy with him, he is putting in the work, and that's what is important."