ANDILE Jali says he will not just be looking for a repeat of his superb display against Spain when Bafana Bafana meet Brazil at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night – he wants an improvement on it.
[full]Jali’s skills were a big factor in Bafana’s most famous victory against European opposition – their 1-0 defeat of world champions Spain at FNB Stadium in September.
Bafana endured a torrid opening 20 minutes, where La Roja would have scored had their offside radar not been offline on the evening. It took a piece of skill from Jali, beating Xabi Alonso and releasing an attack, to restore momentum to the South Africans.
Later the then-Orlando Pirates midfielder produced a back-heel in his own half to beat Alonso again that left the Real Madrid defensive midfielder with egg across his face.
Jali’s moments of inspiration took Spain by surprise and made them approach the game with more caution. The player was already being tracked by Belgian club Oostende, and earned a transfer there in January.
He told Sowetan that he was eager to pit himself against more world-class players like Neymar, Hulk, Oscar and Ramires.
“It is always exciting to play against the top players in the world, so I’m really looking forward to this match against Brazil,” Jali said from Belgium.
“When you play against top teams and players, it motivates you to greater levels of performance.”
Jali had been in the cold before the Spain game, but his performance there makes it hard for Bafana coach Gordon Igesund to ignore the dynamic defensive midfielder now.
“I respect the coach’s decisions and always feel honoured to play for my country. I felt my performance against Spain was good, but I also know I can still improve on it,” Jali said.
Jali got his first start for Oostende in their 3-2 home win against Lierse last weekend, and was a 66th-minute substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Mons.
“It was great to start. I’m still adapting to the new style of football, and learning about the team culture and my teammates,” Jali said of the game against Lierse.
“The players in Belgium have very good technique and their tactical play in the team is important. It has a physical and skilful side to it – it’s different in many ways to SA football.”
Club chairman Marc Coucke recently compared Jali to highly-rated VfL Wolfsburg Belgian youth international Junior Malanda, who has been a target of Arsenal and Everton.
“I feel honoured and will do my best to live up to the chairman’s expectations,” the midfielder said. “I’m the new kid on the block and everyone, including manager Frederik Vanderbiest, encourages me.
“The Oostende fans are very passionate and love the team and players, so it’s a special feeling when they chant your name too.”[/full]