A Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has just announced a surprise departure from the club, with his contract expiring at the end of June.
This is the first exit for Masandawana who won the DStv Premiership and African Football League in the 2023/24 campaign. Behind the scenes, the Brazilians are negotiating new contracts with several players in preparation for the upcoming busy season.
It's worth noting Abafana Ba Style will compete in seven competitions in the 2024/25 campaign – DStv Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, Nedbank Cup, African Football League, CAF Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.
While they haven't made any acquisitions to bolster the team, the Tshwane giants have parted ways with Bongani Zungu. The 31-year-old midfielder took to social media to confirm his unexpected exit.
BONGANI ZUNGU ANNOUNCE HIS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS EXIT
“I would like to thank Mamelodi Sundowns fans, technical team and the President for the last two seasons,” he wrote.
“The relationship I have with the club is beyond the professional space, 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. Thank you to all the amazing supporters who have been amazing to me throughout, I will always be grateful. I wish the team all the best, I know bigger success awaits you. I can't say this enough. Thank you KBY.”
The Duduza-born midfielder's departure comes despite local news reports claiming the club had offered him a new two-year deal with a one-year extension option.
This was Zungu's second stint with Sundowns having played for the club between 2013 and 2016 prior to making a switch to Portugal's Victoria Gumairaes. He returned to the Brazilians in 2022 after leaving Amiens.
During his time abroad, he also turned out for Rangers (on loan from Amiens).
OTHER OUT-OF-CONTRACT PLAYERS AT SUNDOWNS
Denis Onyango
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango joined the Pretoria outfit in 2011, signing from crosstown rivals SuperSport United. He had loan spells with Mpumalanga Black Aces and Bidvest Wits between 2011 and 2014 before he came back and wrestled the number one spot from Kennedy Mweene in 2015.
However, Ronwen Williams' arrival has seen Onyango's playing time diminish, with Williams now Sundowns' preferred goalkeeper.
With Onyango's contract expiring at the month's end, his future remains uncertain. SuperSport United and Chippa United are reportedly interested in acquiring his services.
Themba Zwane
Reports suggest the club offered their captain a new contract, but it's unclear if he's signed yet. A key player for Sundowns, Zwane remains central to the technical team's future plans.
Sammy Seabi
Spent the last season on loan at Sekhukhune United, Seabi returned to Sundowns at the beginning of this campaign and is one of the players who have been struggling for game time.
