Jali will have to wait a little longer

Pitso Mosimane is still scratching his head over which Mamelodi Sundowns team he is going to field tomorrow, but there is a strong possibility that the masterful mentor will name the strongest possible line-up against Kaizer Chiefs.

The Brazilians begin their Absa Premiership title defence against the Glamour Boys at Loftus Versfeld where Chiefs claimed a 2-1 win last season.

“We will see which one we bring out,” said Mosimane coyly.

One thing for sure is that midfield kingpin Andile Jali (right) will have to wait a little longer before he makes his local debut for Masandawana after donning the yellow shirt in a Caf Champions League match away to AS Togo-Port over two weeks ago.

The Bafana Bafana anchorman joined Downs in June as a free agent after he turned his back on Belgian side KV Oostende.

“Andile is injured. We must also understand that Andile has been with us for three months without playing after injuring his left knee. It is early days and you would also like to have players like that fit but we have to manage injuries,” he said.

Mosimane however revealed that when the former Orlando Pirates star does hit match fitness he will not just walk into the starting lineup but will have to prove his worth like anybody else.

“Let’s see. George Lebese fought hard and reduced his weight and he said he had never fought like this in his whole career.

“Here it is a bit different. You fight for your position and you fight to play and you know if you don’t, someone else will play. It is a difficult club because it is win at all costs here.”

One midfielder who is likely to feature tomorrow is Oupa Manyisa who said a win against Amakhosi is exactly what they need to kick off their title defence.