Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Bongani Zungu has revealed why he left Mamelodi Sundowns abruptly at the end of the 2023/24 PSL season.
Usuthu announced Zungu three days ago, along with former Orlando Pirates defender Sandile Mthethwa. The duo joined the KwaZulu-Natal outfit on permanent contracts as free agents.
The experienced midfielder, Zungu, returned to Masandawana as a free agent from the French club Amiens SC, aiming to have a meaningful effect on Bafana Ba Style.
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].
BONGANI ZUNGU REVEALS WHY HE LEFT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
The 32-year-old revealed that he decided to leave the Tshwane giants due to his unhappiness mentally, emphasising the need to prioritise his mental health.
However, he expressed that he will always be thankful to the Masandawana family for everything they did for him while he was at the club.
“You know, the importance of being happy is of paramount importance. [During] my time at Sundowns, personally, obviously I went back to a club that I was used to everything and everyone. But at the time, mentally, I don’t think I was in a good state, and that triggers you because football players are also human beings,” said Zungu.
“You have to be happy with yourself first. So, maybe that is the reason why I left the team. I can sit here and give you 100 reasons why. It was my decision to leave, and I felt it was the right time for me to leave. I made a decision for my own good and mental happiness.
“For me, it was mental, and maybe that is the reason I didn’t reach the ‘Ben 10’ that I was when I left the club to go overseas. Right now, that’s where I am mentally. I’m very happy and also happy to be here at AmaZulu.”
Zungu continued: “I will always be grateful to Sundowns and the president knows that. But this is a new challenge, and I can’t wait to get started.”
RELATED STORY: Sandile Mthethwa and Bongani Zungu’s first words as AmaZulu players
