DURBAN – Mamelodi Sundowns talisman, Bongi Ntuli, snubbed an opportunity to ply his trade in Europe. Ntuli, who was recently on trial at Djurgardens in Sweden, is set to join AmaZulu for the new season.
His agent, Mandla Mthembu, explained that Ntuli let go of an opportunity to play in Europe because he wasn’t entirely happy with an offer that was presented to him.
“Bongi was happy in Sweden and really liked the environment. They also liked him and made him an offer. Hoewever, with the European economy not in a good state, they didn’t meet our expectations. Basically, financially the offer was not to our expectations,” Mthembu explained.
Ntuli joined Sundowns four seasons ago from Lamontville Golden Arrows. He donned the jersey of Sundowns for six months and then was sent on loan to Usuthu. He has been on loan at Platinum Stars for the past three seasons..
“Bongi is in great shape. He had a proper pre-season in Europe. He is ready to go,” he continued.
Ntuli (right) declined an opportunity to play in Europe because he wasn’t entirely happy with the offer that was presented to him. Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
Usuthu are set to announce Ntuli this week.
“We are currently in talks with a certain club that I can’t mention. I think we should be able to finalise the deal this week. The club will make an announcement,” Mthembu said as he gave a hint about Ntuli’s next destination.
Independent Media understands that Usuthu are still discussing with Sundowns about the possibility of getting him outright.
While Ntuli is still contracted to Sundowns, but he doesn’t form part of their plans for this season. The club already possess an array of talented forwards in the likes of New Zealand international Jeremy Brockie, Venezuelan Ali Meza and Bafana Bafana regular Sibusiso Vilakazi.
Team manager at Usuthu, Qedi Dlamini, declined to comment on the matter.
Ntuli will compete for the jersey with new Argentinian forward Emiliano Tade, Mabhudi Khenyeza and Mhlengi Cele. Usuthu are set to sell Rhulani Manzini to Chippa United.
“Manzini is still training with the team. He is still part of AmaZulu. We haven’t heard anything from Chippa United,” Dlamini said.
Usuthu have commenced very well in the league this season. They have won two games out of three.
* Meanwhile, Lamontville Golden Arrows have released the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Phakamani Mngadi.
Mngadi was on trial at Arrows for two weeks. Coach at Abafana Bes’thende, Clinton Larsen, confirmed that they have decided against signing Mngadi.
“He was with us for two weeks after which we released him,” Larsen said.
Mngadi was loaned to Amakhosi in 2014/15 by his parent club at that time, Eupen. He made one appearance for Chiefs and then went back to Belgium.