Bongani Zungu explains decision to begin new chapter in India

Bongani Zungu says the closing stages of his playing career, combined with a strong offer and genuine interest from his new club, convinced him to move to India.

The 33-year-old was officially unveiled by the Kerala-based side this week, arriving as one of the most decorated players to join the club.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport from abroad, the former Glasgow Rangers and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder said the move offered him the chance to take on a different challenge in Asia and experience a new football culture.

“I said yes to India because firstly I’m 33-years-old so the finish line of my career is much closer. I also said yes because I was really happy with the offer, and most importantly the club was interested in me. After speaking to the coach and the sporting director I felt it would be a good move for me.”

Zungu has also been encouraged by the standard of football he has encountered in India. He said his new club expects him to contribute to improving the level of the team, drawing on the experience he gained during his career in South Africa and with Glasgow Rangers.

The midfielder’s arrival represents a new stage after his most recent spell in the Premier Soccer League, where he played for AmaZulu. Zungu said he had held discussions with other PSL clubs before and after leaving AmaZulu, but those negotiations failed to produce an agreement.

“I did talk to some PSL clubs, even before I left AmaZulu, but unfortunately we couldn’t find a solution in terms of the contracts and the offers too. I then gave myself sometime, the deal came here and I just couldn’t refuse it.”

The opportunity in India eventually provided the solution Zungu had been unable to find in the PSL. He said the timing of the proposal, the club’s willingness to sign him and the terms of the offer all played a part in his decision.

His move means Zungu has chosen to continue his career outside South Africa at a time when he believes the end of his playing days is approaching. Rather than wait for a suitable domestic agreement, he decided to accept the chance to work in a different football environment.

The Kerala-based club’s decision to recruit him also reflects the expectation that his previous experience will have an influence on the team. Zungu is one of the most decorated players to join the side, and the club wants him to help raise its standard.

He is now preparing to begin this latest chapter in India after leaving AmaZulu and turning down the possibility of reaching an agreement with a PSL club. His explanation makes clear that the move was shaped both by personal timing and by the belief that the opportunity was too good to reject.