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Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi wants former team-mate Andile Jali to
re-join the Soweto giants having confirmed that he will return to the Absa Premiership when his contract with Belgian side K.V. Oostende expires in June.
Jali, who was recently in the South Africa as part of his recovery from a knee injury, last week confirmed that he has taken the decision to return to South African and be close to his family after four-and-a-half years playing in Belgium.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder has been linked with both Pirates and a reunion with his former national team coach Pitso Mosimane at Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, the former Bucs skipper is adamant that Jali can flourish again donning the black and white colours of the Soweto giants.
The duo played together in the Bucs side that won the treble under Dutch coach Ruud Krol in 2011.
Lekgwathi told the SABC: "It’s obvious for me. He has done well in his time in Belgium and I think he can fit well into the Pirates’ system like he did before.
"He should come back home and would love to see his combination with the likes of Xola Mlambo and Musa Nyatama.
"I know Jali very well because I played with him and he is a fighter and we need such players to fight for trophies."
The retired defender, who enjoyed a successful career at the club, says Pirates are a competitive side since the return of Serbian born coach Milutin Sredojevic and will give Mamelodi Sundowns a run for their money in the race for the league title.
Sundowns are at the top of the Premiership with 43 points and a game behind second placed Pirates who have 42 points.
Added Lekgwathi: "They are hungry, the coach coached me before in his first spell at Pirates and he makes a happy camp that wants to win.
"The attitude has changed. Look at a player like Happy Jele, he was relegated to the bench, but has fought his way back into the team and is doing well.
"It’s the same with Mpho Makola. Both players have been regulars at the club over the years and sometimes they tend to be in a comfort zone, but it changes immediately when a new coach comes in. Pirates have been a different team this season."
