FORMER Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali urges PSL youngsters to use the Nedbank Cup as a springboard like he did.
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Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali has dismissed suggestions that this season’s Nedbank Cup has lost its appeal following the early exit of South Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
With the competition now down to its semi-final stage, featuring Durban City FC, Casric Stars, TS Galaxy and Milford FC, there has been growing debate around the absence of the so-called “big teams.”
But Jali believes that perspective misses the true purpose of the tournament.
“It is a naive view that the final will be a disaster because it will be against teams that do not have many fans,” he said.
“The main goal of Nedbank is to boost those who need it.”
The semi-finals are set to be played across the weekend, with Durban City taking on Casric Stars at the Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday, before TS Galaxy host Milford at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday.
For Jali, the competition represents far more than just silverware — it is a platform that can change careers.
“My biggest wish is that the players, especially the young players who play for the remaining teams in Nedbank, use me as an example,” he said.
“It is because of the Nedbank Cup that South African football fans know Jali.”
The 35-year-old, who enjoyed a decorated career domestically and abroad, pointed to the competition as a key stepping stone in his own journey.
“My message to young players is not to miss this opportunity to prove themselves because I was also scouted by Nedbank and then I went overseas,” he added.
Jali’s message comes at a time when this year’s edition has opened the door for lesser-fancied sides to make history — a reality he believes should inspire rather than diminish the tournament’s value.
“I hope that the young players of PSL teams will always remember this competition for the opportunities it opened up, as happened to me,” he said.
“I ended up playing for teams that were considered to be great and even went overseas.”
He also stressed the importance of mindset, suggesting that humility and hunger are key to making the most of such opportunities.
“If (Jali) had humbled himself, nothing would have been known about him,” he reflected.
Beyond the current competition, Jali also confirmed a major personal shift, revealing he has stepped away from professional football.
“I am no longer a professional footballer,” he said.
“I am now focused on being a farmer and riding motorbikes.”
Despite that transition, his connection to the Nedbank Cup remains strong — now serving as both inspiration and ambassador for the very platform that helped shape his career.
As the semi-finals approach, Jali’s message is clear: the stage is set, and for those willing to seize it, the opportunity could be life-changing.