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Zungu Responds To Rulani's Weight Loss Criticism

Zungu Responds To Rulani's Weight Loss Criticism

Bongani Zungu of Mamelodi Sundowns during the MTN8 semi-final, 1st leg match against Orlando Pirates. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu has addressed his fitness issues discussed in the media by head coach Rulani Mokwena. 

Zungu took time before he could regain his match fitness after he was signed as a free agent early in the season, following his departure from French Ligue 2 side Amiens. 

Mokwena told the media last month that he was not happy with the lack of progress made by the 30-year old from a weight loss  perspective. 

Read: Zungu Sets Pirates Target

There were also reports in the off-season that Kaizer Chiefs were competing with Sundowns for the signature of Zungu and the Bafana Bafana midfielder confirmed that Mokwena played a big role in him re-signing for the Brazilians. 

"He actually played a massive role to bring me (back) to Sundowns because I had other options and obviously coach Rulani, I always tell him that, 'You're always not happy'," Zungu told journalists at the Carling Black Label World Cup score predictor event. 

"Like he wants more and more, and obviously he told me first before he told the media that he's not happy, I knew and I know it. 

"He demands more and more from me, so me as I mentioned, work hard and when I do get the opportunity you know, just play and do well," he said. 

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There has been suggestions that 'Ben 10' will compete with Andile Jali for a place in the team but he says competition for places in midfield is against all midfielders. 

"I don't understand because we played together even at Bafana during Shakes Mashaba's time but obviously we speak of depth at Sundowns, it's not just Andile I'm competing with for the position," he said. 

Read: Mngqithi's Departure At Downs Getting Closer?

"But I can say, I mentioned  (Sphelele) Mkhulise, there's Sipho Mbule, there's Teboho Mokoena, who is doing really good for the team. 

"So it's not just about me and 'AJ' you know, it's about the team. At the end of the day we want to win, we want to leave our mark, leave a legacy of that man's jersey number eight Hlompho (Kekana) there (who was present at the event)," he added. 

Zungu is yet to start in domestic games for Sundowns, with three substitute appearances. 

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