New AmaZulu midfielder Bongani Zungu has explained it was his decision to leave Mamelodi Sundowns because he was mentally not in the right space at Chloorkop.
Zungu, 32, joined AmaZulu as a free agent this week and his first game for his new club will be against his old club on 24 December.
Ahead of the clash, Zungu faced the media for the first time in Usuthu colours and also discussed his Downs exit, saying it was his own decision to leave.
“Yes, I felt it was the time for me to leave,” he said.
“I made the decision for my own good and my own mental happiness. It wasn’t something deep, but it was just a personal decision.”
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He went it more details when asked why he couldn’t reach the heights of his first Downs stint, when he was famously been given his “Ben10” nickname, admitting mental challenges.
“I’ve mentioned the importance of being happy and in my at Sundowns personally, obviously I went back to the club that I was in, I was used to everything and everyone, but at the time mentally I don’t think I was a good state,” he added.
“And obviously that triggers you because football players are human being, you have to be happy and put yourself first.
“That is maybe the reason why [I didn’t reach the heights of my first stint]. I can sit here and give you 100 reasons why – but for me it was on me, personally, mentally and maybe that’s why I didn’t reach the Ben10 [times].
“Right now that’s where I am mentally. I’m happy to be at AmZulu. I’ll always be grateful to Sundowns, forever. The president knows that.
“But this is a new challenge and I’m very happy and I can’t wait to get started.”
AmaZulu face Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium at 15:00 on 24 December.