Mamelodi Sundowns outgoing midfielder Bongani Zungu has been urged to explore options outside the DStv Premiership after bidding farewell to the league champions.
The 31-year-old midfielder, Zungu announced his surprise departure from the Brazilians last week. However, the club has not yet officially confirmed his exit.
His contract with Sundowns is coming to an end on 30 June and the two parties go their separate ways.
This was the second campaign of his second stint with the Pretoria-based club after he returned in 2022.
Zungu's progress over the past two seasons has been hindered by injuries and weight concerns, particularly when he arrived. Last season, he made 30 appearances, providing one assist in all competitions.
His exit from Bafana Ba Style leaves questions as to where he’s heading to.
Former Sundowns player Sello Mahlangu has advised Zungu to consider opportunities outside the DStv Premiership, potentially returning to playing overseas.
Mahlangu believes that at Zungu's age, prioritising financial security in his next move might be wiser than focusing solely on playing time.
FORMER SUNDOWNS PLAYER TELLS BONGANI ZUNGU WHERE TO GO
“At this stage, it's not clear if he is the one who decided to leave, or it's the club who asked him to. So far, we haven't heard anything from the club,” Mahlangu told Kick Off.
“What the player put out on his Instagram doesn't give us the whole picture, but maybe there is a better offer outside the country, which is good for him.
“I don't think he can leave Sundowns for a local team. It won't make business sense to anyone involved.
“His next move after Sundowns should be going back to Europe. Him moving to Europe will also benefit Bafana Batana.
“I don't think he will move to the likes of Chiefs in terms of financial implications. At his age, he is not going to accept anything less than what he is currently paid.
“Nowadays, money is more important than game-time. Money has power, and it brings a will to win. Looking at the former Sundowns players who went to Chiefs, they achieved nothing.
“I hope this is just a rumour because we still need him more at Sundowns.”
Meanwhile, according to Soccer Laduma, Zungu is sought after by a club in Saudi Arabia. However, his next move remains to be seen.
Zungu's first exit from Sundowns came in 2016 with a move to Vitória Guimarães. In 2017, he continued his European adventure by joining Amiens SC in the French Ligue 1.
A loan spell with Rangers in Scotland followed in 2020, with the option for the club to make the transfer permanent. However, after the loan ended, Zungu returned to Amiens before eventually re-signing with Sundowns.
