Former Mamelodi Sundowns FC midfielder Bongani Zungu has explained his decision to join an Indian Super League club after failing to secure a deal in South Africa's top flight. The 33-year-old, who recently signed for Malappuram, said that negotiations with Premier Soccer League sides proved impossible to conclude.
Zungu's comments come as his former club continues a strong start to the domestic season. Mamelodi Sundowns currently sit second in the Premier Soccer League with 10 points from four matches, having won three and drawn one. Their recent form reads WWDW, and they have scored 11 goals while conceding just five for a healthy +6 goal difference. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
Why did Bongani Zungu choose India?
Bongani Zungu stated that his move to India was a direct result of stalled talks with PSL clubs. He had been in discussions with several South African teams even before his departure from AmaZulu, but a mutually agreeable contract could not be reached. "I did talk to some PSL clubs, even before I left AmaZulu, but unfortunately we couldn't find a solution in terms of the contracts and the offers too," Zungu said this week.
With his career entering its latter stages, the experienced midfielder felt he could not turn down the concrete offer from Malappuram. He expressed clear happiness with the Indian club's interest and the project presented to him. Zungu held direct conversations with both the coach and the sporting director before making his final decision, which he described as straightforward once the Indian opportunity materialized.
What role will Zungu play at Malappuram?
The former Sundowns star is expected to take on a significant mentoring role within the Malappuram squad. Club officials have tasked him with helping to raise the overall level of the team and guiding its younger players. This responsibility aligns with Zungu's own acknowledgement that, at 33, he is nearing the end of his playing days.
He will also be under immediate pressure to justify the faith shown in him by the Indian Super League side. Making his experience count on the pitch will be a primary objective. Zungu's move represents a notable chapter in the latter stages of a career that included a successful spell with Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.
How are Mamelodi Sundowns performing currently?
While Zungu embarks on his new challenge abroad, his former club is focused on maintaining its strong domestic position. The team's solid defensive record of only five goals conceded in four games is a key foundation of their early-season form. Supporters looking for detailed breakdowns of the squad's contributions can visit our stats section.
The attack has also been potent, netting 11 times. This balance between offensive output and defensive stability has been central to securing 10 points from a possible 12. The upcoming schedule, which you can view on our fixtures page, will test whether this form can be sustained as the season progresses. Bongani Zungu's last PSL appearance was for AmaZulu before his move to India was finalized.
