Bongani Zungu, the most recent signing at AmaZulu, has opened up about his time at former club Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 32-year-old joined Usuthu at the start of the week as a free agent, having terminated his contract with the Brazilians at the end of last season.
During his second tenure at Sundowns, Zungu won multiple trophies in two years, including the DStv Premiership and the first-ever African Football League (AFL).
While he has been rumoured with a reunion with ex-Masandawana coach Rulani Mokwena at Wydad Casablanca, ‘Ben 10’ has landed on the beachy shores of the Durban-based club AmaZulu.
📽️🟢⚪️ Bongani Zungu sits down with us for his first interview in our green and white colours 💬#ThatsPower #HebeUsuthu #UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/osK2gKQICO
— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) December 20, 2024
Speaking in public for the first since his abrupt departure from Sundowns, Zungu caught up with the media at his first training session with his new club yesterday.
He revealed that it was his choice to leave the Chloorkop-based outfit, citing a decline in his joy at being at the club.
He also went on to explain why his second stint with Sundowns did not go as he had wished, pointing to his head-space deteriorating in the two years he spent there.
“I felt it was the right time for me to leave. The decision came from my end to depart Sundowns, for my own happiness. It had nothing to do with anything deep – it was just me thinking about my personal health,” he explained.
“I’ve spoken a lot about the importance of being happy, and my time at Sundowns – even though it was a club I know and am very close to... But at the time, I don’t think I was in a good state mentally,” he said.
“Obviously that triggers you, because football players are human beings. You have to be happy with yourself first, and so maybe that may have been the reason.
“I could list a lot of reasons as to why it didn’t work out, but for me, on a personal level, I think that’s probably why I didn’t get to reach the ‘Ben 10’ levels that I’m trying to get to now.
“I will always be grateful to Sundowns, and the president knows it – but I’m happy here (at AmaZulu). A new challenge, and I can’t wait to get started.”
🟢 New Beginnings 🫱🏾🫲🏽#ThatsPower#HebeUsuthu#UsuthuTogether pic.twitter.com/EjomWYcXIe
Zungu has immediately taken a liking to the KwaZulu-Natal environment, as well as the environment at Usuthu.
He expressed his delight with the kind of support and admiration he has been bombarded with since his arrival, and aims to use that as a source to get back to his level.
“The president, coaches and my teammates have shown me nothing but love, and that plays a major role in my head.
“Yes, the weather is nice, but I’m here to work and I’m here to try and get back to ‘Ben 10’, because when I’m happy and fit, I think I can do anything because I’ve got quality.”
Zungu may get an opportunity to showcase his talent once more against his former team, as 13th-placed AmaZulu are preparing for Tuesday’s Premiership clash against log leaders Sundowns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (3pm kick-off). | Independent Media Sport