Zungu Departs Sundowns After Second Stint Marked by Injuries

Image Source: Bongani Zungu will be a free agent after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns. Picture: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Published by Everything ZA News

Mamelodi Sundowns and midfielder Bongani Zungu have announced their separation after two seasons marked by injuries and limited playing time for the 31-year-old.

Bongani Zungu via Instagram

Zungu, who rose to prominence at Sundowns before venturing abroad in 2016, returned to the Brazilians in 2022 following a stint with French club Amiens. However, his second coming at the club fell short of expectations.

Zungu struggled to secure a regular starting position, managing just 13 appearances in the DStv Premiership last season. His final game for Sundowns came in the heartbreaking Nedbank Cup defeat to Orlando Pirates.

Taking to Instagram on Friday, Zungu expressed his gratitude to the Sundowns faithful, the technical team, and president for their support over the past two seasons.

“The relationship I have with the club is beyond the professional space,” Zungu wrote. “Sundowns will always be family to me and the entire Zungu family. I will always be grateful for every opportunity I was offered so I say this with a heavy heart that I will be leaving the club.”

He also extended his appreciation to the fans, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his journey.

Zungu’s career blossomed at Sundowns before he embarked on his European adventure in 2016. He first landed at Portuguese club Vitória de Guimarães, followed by a spell in France. The 2020-2021 season saw him on loan at Scottish giants Rangers, where he secured a league title under the tutelage of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

Zungu’s future destination remains unclear, but one thing is certain: he departs Sundowns with a heavy heart, leaving the door open for a potential return someday.