Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena has shed light on the recent absence of midfielder Bongani Zungu from the Brazilians’ matchday squads.
Since signing for Sundowns as a free agent in August last year, Zungu has been hard at work to get into peak physical shape.
The 29-year-old took advantage of the FIFA World Cup-enforced break to work on his conditioning, earning high praise from his coaches.
However, upon the resumption of the DStv Premiership on 30 December, Zungu was a notable absentee from the Sundowns matchday squad against Orlando Pirates and the side that overcame Swallows FC 2-0 on Tuesday afternoon.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena on their recent good run and the progress of Bongani Zungu. pic.twitter.com/gUqgtvFy5Y
— Mahlatse Mphahlele (@BraMahlatse) January 4, 2023
Speaking to journalists after the match, Mokwena explained Zungu’s absence was due to a “slight setback” with a “small injury” in the pelvic area, abdominal, hernia and groin area. “It’s not a serious thing, just a slight setback and he should be raring to go very soon too,” Mokwena added.
The Brazilians will enjoy some respite before playing their final match of the first round when they take on second-placed Richards Bay on Friday.