REVEALED: Downs launch audacious Zungu bid

SABC Sport can reveal that Mamelodi Sundowns have officially launched an audacious bid in an attempt to lure midfielder Bongani Zungu back to Chloorkop.

The 29-year-old is now officially a free agent following his decision not to accept a contract extension from French Ligue outfit Amiens, meaning he has the option to sign for a club of his choice without a transfer fee.

Zungu moved to Europe after a very successful spell with Sundowns under then coach Pitso Mosimane before joining Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes in 2016 to kick start his career abroad, which since included spells at Amiens as well as a loan deal to Rangers in Scotland.

It™s understood that while there remains several suitors for Zungu overseas, The Brazilians are prepared to break the bank to convince him with a lucrative offer to return to the Premier Soccer League - but that is easier said than done.

Several weeks ago, Downs co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi confirmed they were looking to add a central midfielder to their squad next season to beef up the team and help them go a step further in the CAF Champions League - Zungu fits that criteria.

For a third successive season, the Tshwane giants have been knocked out of the Champions League in the quarterfinal stage and the technical team believes adding a player of Zungu™s caliber will give the much-needed edge over their continental rivals.

According to information received by SABC Sport, the current DStv Premiership title holders have tabled an offer for the player and hope to get the deal over the line, although Zungu will not be in a hurry to make a decision.

The midfielder has previously been linked with clubs in Spain, Turkey and the Gulf region, even before his Amiens exit, so it is likely those conversations will pick up again, meaning that Sundowns face stiff competition in getting their target.

Where Zungu lands ahead of the 2022/23 season is likely to be one of the main talking points throughout the upcoming football transfer window.

By Mazola Molefe