Jali, who now plays in Belgium, is excited about the prospect of giving back to his community and is forking out money from his own pocket to run the tournament, which is set to kick off on June 4 with the final set to be played on Youth Day.
“This is a way to say thank you to the community of Matatiela,” Jali tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“I hope this tournament will also inspire other youngsters in my community to follow their dreams in football.
“I come from this area and followed my dream in football. I believe there are a lot of players even better than me that can even go on to achieve more than what I have achieved in football.”
The former Orlando Pirates midfielder says he is currently running the tournament from his own pocket but still looking for sponsors.
“At the moment we don’t have a sponsor but we are busy talking to a few people who are ready to make a contribution,” he adds.
The Andile Jali Annual Soccer Tournament chief organiser Lwazi Nogenga says they are lined up for a music concert during the closing ceremony.
“The tournament starts on the 4th of June and the final will be on Youth Day,” he confirms.
“The first prize at the moment is R10 000 and we are still to announce other prizes during the official launch.
“We have a music concert during the closing function featuring Big Nuz, Black Motion, Kwesta, EMtee and other local artists.
“PSL players like Aubrey Ngoma, Thabang Monare, Bongani Ndulula, Oupa Manyisa and Manti Mekoa will also grace the tournament,” adds Nogenga.