Axed Zambian striker Augustine Mulenga has pleaded with AmaZulu management to reinstate him, saying he was struggling to make ends meet because he was injured.
Zambia’s Daily Mail newspaper quoted Mulenga as having made the plea in an interview with the country’s Radio Metro FM on Monday.
The 32-year-old said he was pleading with AmaZulu to allow him to stay with the Durban-based club until he recovers from an Achilles tendon injury.
“I am just appealing to them [AmaZulu] to help me get back on my feet until I get back to my feet. I have kids, family and people who depend on me. It’s going to be difficult for those people and me. I won’t have money to help them and their needs,” he said.
The former Orlando Pirates striker said he felt hard done by AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu who released him alongside Limbikani Mzava, Neil Boshoff, Xola Mlambo, Luvuyo Memela, Philani Zulu, Tsepo Masilela, Kgotso Moleko, Hendrick Ekstein, Abraham Majok, Thabo Qalinge, Siphelele Mthembu and Andre de Jong.
“To be honest, the conversation we had with Mr Zungu, the president, when I spoke to him, there was a time we players had a one-on-one meeting with him. He told me he wants to renew my contract, he still wants me, he wanted me to stay at AmaZulu, and I said I am happy and would love to continue my journey,” he said.
“He said he would talk to my manager and when my manager told me he received my clearance, I was shocked because I am injured. Since I came back from Zambia, I remember when I communicated with our physio, he was like, ‘no, you are in Zambia. You have to do it by yourself.’ And I was like, how? I got injured on duty. How come you say I have to do it [treatment by myself]?”
Recently, Zungu, when announcing the reshuffle, thanked the released players “for their service and wished them the best in their future endeavours.” He said the club would sign eight new players. The Durban club has already signed former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Dumisani Zuma, TS Galaxy forward Augustine Kwem and Chippa United defender Veluyeke Zulu.
