Sundowns on Friday announced the capture of Jali on a five-year contract amid competition for his services from Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The 28-year-old left KV Oostende as a free agent in April, having initially joined the Belgian outfit in January 2014 from Pirates.

At the time of his exit Jali cited a desire to come back home for family reasons, but maintains his appetite to win silverware in Tshwane is strong.

“I didn’t come back to South Africa to relax and just say that I am done because I am coming from Europe,” Jali told Downs’ website.

“I came to South Africa to win things, not to just relax and say that I am done. That’s why I came to Sundowns. I am here to show that I have that thing, to push other players to say that guys you can do it.

“I have learned a lot of things from my time in Belgium, especially how you bounce back from losing a game. You mustn’t lose hope until it’s done and you achieve your objective.”

The Bafana Bafana central midfielder is pleased the speculation over his future is finally over.

“I feel good to have signed for Mamelodi Sundowns,” Jali said. “At last this deal is done. It’s been dragging for a long time. Now I can relax before the season starts. I have recovered from the injury, I am good to go. I passed the medicals. Now I am ready for Sundowns to tell me when to come to training.”

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