Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu has responded to criticism that his return from Europe shows lack of ambition.
Zungu has returned to Sundowns at the peak of his career after spending six years in Europe. The Bafana Bafana midfielder spent six months at Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes' reserve side before he finally broke into the first team in 2017.
It took Zungu just another six months to earn a big-money move to French Ligue 1 side Amiens, where he made his name.
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However, Zungu's return to the DStv Premiership has been frowned upon by a section of supporters and legends, who believe Bafana Bafana will ultimately suffer without experienced players based in Europe.
However, 'Ben 10', as the 30-year old is fondly known, says he is not bothered because he has been welcomed warmly by Sundowns fans and other legends such as Teko Modise and Hlompho Kekana.
"I've received nothing but love from Mamelodi Sundowns fans and I felt really appreciated by them," Zungu told journalists at the Carling Black Label Cup score predictor event.
"Obviously I left Sundowns having won some trophies with the club, the messages I've got from the legends, the guys who have retired, Teko and him (Kekana who was at the event) were very good.
"So I've received nothing but love, so for me, it is just to keep on working hard and try to help the team do well in the CAF Champions League and also try to win some trophies for the club."
Zungu was linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, who also signed a former Sundowns player, who returned home after four-and-half years with French outfit Montpellier, Keagan Dolly in 2021.
However, the Brazilians managed to convince the Bafana Bafana midfielder to have a second spell with the club. Zungu was unveiled at a packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium at half-time in mid August, in a league game that Sundowns won 4-0 against Chiefs.
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The 30-year old also said that he felt the connection with the Brazilians fans even before putting pen to paper.
"Even before I signed, I could see fans reacting positively to rumours about me joining the club," Zungu said via Sundowns Magazine.
"The atmosphere at the stadium was electric during the announcement. I couldn't be happier," he added.
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