Most football players have had difficulty maintaining a professional image both on and off the field of play because of the numerous obligations that come along with being a professional athlete.

That Bernard Parker, a former Benoni United Football Club and Kaizer Chiefs Football Club player who was recently released by the latter, has not had an issue in displaying is something that the 36-year old has been a true professional in football for just under 20 years.

Andile Jali, a former Orlando Pirates Football Club star who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, appears to be one of these guys. When it comes to on- and off-field contact, Jali’s reputation for being a bully during games has been questioned throughout time due to some of the things he has done. At a time when most professional soccer players in South Africa are on vacation or getting ready for the upcoming season, youth events in the country are taking center stage.

 

 

 

There was a tournament called the Engen Cup that took place last weekend at Randburg in Gauteng. On the final day of the tournament at Randburg, Jali was seen with Phumudzo Manenzhe and Oupa Manyisa, as was Parker’s best friend, actor Jerome Du Plooy.

Du Plooy refused to leave and said that he wanted to stay with Jali and his friends while they watched the sport on the day that they got into a verbal duel, with Jali urging the actor to find a new seat.

My biggest concern when it comes to Jali right now is his off-the-field contact, which is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Again, I believe he is joking, as he has in the past, but he should still get his affairs in order.