South African midfielder Bongani Zungu set to leave AmaZulu FC

South African midfielder Bongani Zungu is set to depart AmaZulu FC after the club opted not to renew his contract at the end of this month.

The former Rangers and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder arrived in Durban with significant expectations, bringing with him valuable experience from European football in Portugal and France, as well as a strong pedigree from his time with the CAF Champions League-winning Sundowns side.

However, Zungu has struggled to consistently meet those expectations at AmaZulu, with his influence on the pitch falling short of what was anticipated when he signed for Usuthu.

Reports suggest that the experienced midfielder also had a challenging working relationship with head coach Arthur Zwane. Zwane was believed to have seen Zungu as a senior figure who could guide and support the club’s younger players, but that leadership role is understood not to have fully materialised during his time in Durban.

As a result, AmaZulu have opted not to extend his stay, and the midfielder is now expected to leave the club as a free agent once his contract officially expires.

Zungu’s return to South African football was initially viewed as an opportunity to revive a career that had taken him across Europe and into top-level continental competition. His time abroad, particularly in France and Scotland with Rangers, had built a reputation of a composed and intelligent midfield presence capable of controlling matches at the highest level.

Since returning home, however, his form has been inconsistent, and his impact has gradually diminished over the past two seasons. What was expected to be a strong second chapter in his domestic career has instead turned into a difficult period marked by unmet expectations and limited influence.

Now, with his exit from AmaZulu imminent, Zungu faces another important career decision. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the midfielder will remain in the Betway Premiership or look for opportunities elsewhere as he attempts to stabilise his trajectory.

For a player once seen as one of South Africa’s most promising exports, the next move could prove crucial in determining whether he can still recapture the level that once defined his rise through the ranks.