Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu says he is grateful to be back and part of the squad after a few weeks on the sidelines through injury.
The 30-year-old returned to Sundowns in the off-season, after six seasons in Europe, and admittedly out of shape which head coach Rulani Mokwena stated earlier in the season, he was not happy about when asking about his progress of fitness.
However, the towering midfielder worked tirelessly to get back to full fitness and received some minutes in the CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup, before a muscle injury struck in the last-16 win over Marumo Gallants in February.
He since returned with a cameo appearance in the 0-0 draw against Swallows and is now looking forward to making a contribution for the business end of the 2022/23 campaign.
“First of all, my wish is to be injury-free,” Zungu said. “Im grateful that I got an opportunity against Swallows.
“I got injured in the Nedbank Cup and it’s been a tough few weeks for me, but right now I’m feeling good, I’m feeling fit and whenever the coach gives me a chance to play, my duty is to help the team as much as I can.
“We still have a long way to go, the CAF Champions League, Nedbank Cup, we still want to win games in the league – I’m focused on that and whenever I get a chance, I’ll kill it.”
The South African international midfielder admits he’s played a mentor role in the squad with several upcoming talents being introduced into the first team as the likes of Cassius Mailula, Ntando Nkosi, Siyabonga Mabena, Jerome Karelse, Siyanda Nyanga and Thando Buthelezi have all made their first-team debuts this season.
“Even when I don’t [play]… I’ve been injured, I try my best to help the guys, help the youngsters to perform because when you play for Sundowns your season is very long and we’re going to need everyone,” he added.
“We need everyone to be performing at their highest level and also mentally be switched on all the time. We have a lot of quality in the team, everyone can play and make the team win – so as I mentioned, we need everyone, and everyone needs to be switched on.
“Even me, whenever I get a chance I need to make sure I help the team, so I do help the guys off the pitch, in training and we’ve got a squad, a good camp at Sundowns when anyone plays, the team performs very [well].”
Sundowns face off against Golden Arrows this evening at the Princess Magogo Stadium before their last-16 Nedbank Cup clash against Stellenbosch on Saturday at Danie Craven.
