Bongani Zungu Angers Kaizer Chiefs Fans by Downplaying Soweto Derby Importance Amid Mamelodi Sundowns Interest

Bongani Zungu Angers Kaizer Chiefs Fans by Downplaying Soweto Derby Importance Amid Mamelodi Sundowns Interest

Byron Pillay
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:04 PM
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  • Bongani Zungu is still a free agent after declining a contract extension with French Ligue 2 side, Amiens SC
  • Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs are both interested in securing Bongani Zungu's services for the new season
  • Kaizer Chiefs supporters are upset with Bongani Zungu and don't want the club to sign him anymore

Bongani Zungu has been a transfer target of Kaizer Chiefs for a very long time, but his recent comments have rubbed Amakhosi fans the wrong way.

Zungu recently became a free agent after turning down a contract extension at French side, Amiens SC.

Bongani Zungu, Angers, Kaizer Chiefs, Supporters, Downplaying, Soweto Derby, Importance, Mamelodi Sundowns, Interest, Soccer, Sport, South Africa
The Kaizer Chiefs fanbase are not happy with transfer target, Bongani Zungu, after the midfielder admitted that he was never excited by the Soweto Derby. Image: Ozan Kose/ Alexander Joe
Source: Getty Images

Since his decision to part ways with the French side, numerous clubs were rumoured to be after the star, including the South African duo of Kaizer Chiefs and his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns.

While discussing the potential move back to the DStv Premiership, Zungu made a stark admission that angered the Amakhosi fanbase. When asked about potentially competing in the Soweto Derby, Zungu explained that he ‘has never been excited by it,’ The Citizen reported.

The statement sent shockwaves around supporters of the Soweto-based side and some have now called for the club to withdraw all interest in the player.

Zungu also touched on the reported interest from his former side, Mamelodi Sundowns, admitting that Masandawana were the only club that spoke to his agent, IOL reported.

He also touched on the special place that the Brazilians will hold in his heart, no matter where he goes.

“Sundowns will always be my home, no matter what happens from now until when I make my decision about where I’m going to be playing come the 2022/2023 season,” he said.

Mamelodi Sundowns make an offer for former Masandawana midfielder Bongani Zungu after the player becomes a free agent

Bongani Zungu could be heading back to South African shores.

The central midfielder has attracted interest from Kaizer Chiefs before, but now his former side are also in the hunt for his signature.

SABC Sport reported that Mamelodi Sundowns have now made an offer to lure Zungu back to the Chloorkop. The Amakhosi have been monitoring Zungu’s contract situation in France for a few transfer windows and were expected to pounce when he became a free agent.

Bongani Zungu considers his future in France, Kaizer Chiefs are still interested in signing the midfielder

Kaizer Chiefs are still keen to sign midfielder Bongani Zungu, as the midfielder continues to consider his future in France.

Recently Zungu angered the management of the team by getting sent off for dissent in a crunch game. Zungu did not feature for the club since that sending off, missing a total of four games.

Coach, Philippe Hinschberger, stated that he would not ‘roll out the red carpet’ for the South African. Kaizer Chiefs though are expected to try and sign the player and bring him back to South African shores.

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Byron Pillay
Byron Pillay is a sports writer and Head of the Department at Sports Brief (joined in 2022) with over 10 years of experience in community journalism and a degree in journalism from Caxton's Cadet School.
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