Fresh-faced AmaZulu man, Bongani Zungu, is relishing the opportunity to face former club Mamelodi Sundowns in what could be his debut for his new club.
Usuthu will welcome the defending champions to the Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow, with Zungu in line to feature against a Brazilians side close to his heart. The 32-year-old joined the Durban-based outfit as a free agent last week following months without a club having departed Sundowns at the end of last season.
‘Ben10’ has revealed his ambitions to enjoy his football once again, which was the main reason behind his decision to put pen to paper with the KwaZulu-Natal-based club. The Duduza-born midfielder played 123 matches for the Pretoria-based club and won six major trophies (four in the league, an African Football League championship and the Telkom Knockout).
Speaking ahead of the match, Zungu explained how easy he expects his adjustment to be given the similarities between Sundowns and Usuthu. More importantly, he highlighted how the bonds and friendship he has with Sundowns will make this game one that's daunting to his heartstrings.
“I know Sundowns very well. I’ve got a lot of friends there. It’s a club that I’ve played for many years. Obviously, the team has been doing well,” said Zungu.
“Before I even signed here, I watched a lot of games. What the guys are doing and the football they’re playing. I feel like it’s going to be a very fascinating game.
He further added: “From my own perspective, both teams have similarities. They play what you call modern football. It’s going to be a nice game.
“Obviously, we have to apply ourselves. We have to want it more. If you want it more and you’re more hungry on the day, you can match Sundowns.
“I think it’s going to be a very good game. It’s an emotional game for me. But as I just mentioned, I trust the team and the coaches.
“The way the team has been playing, everyone is calm. It’s a game that I feel is going to be a good watch for everyone. You know where AmaZulu are right now.”
Usuthu are looking to claim a fourth win in the last five games under co-coaches Arthur Zwane and Vusumuzi Vilakazi. Having found form and goals as of late, AmaZulu are presented with a Sundowns side in adjustment to new coach Miguel Cardoso.
Vilakazi opened the door for Zungu's inclusion in the match against Sundowns but pointed to a thorough assessment of fitness levels as the deciding factor.
“This is Zungu’s first session with the club Friday, so we still have to monitor his fitness and sharpness over the coming days but if he's ready then he's ready, why not throw him on,” he said
“But if he isn't then it's not a train smash either because the competition is very high and the players that are there are already doing very well.”