Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu insists he regrets how he forced Buccaneers to let go of him - 'They were taking care of me'

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu has spoken about how he fumbled a chance of making his name at the Buccaneers before he was shown the exit door. 

Zungu joined the Soweto giants in the 2019/20 PSL season, emerging as one of the promising talents.

However, he couldn't live up to expectations and Bucs went on to release him in July 2023 due to misconduct.

Now playing for Pretoria Callies in the National First Division, Zungu opened up about his stay at Pirates. 

"I regret how I left Pirates because I feel like they were taking care of me. I and outside forces ended up with them [Pirates] giving up on me. So that’s my biggest regret," Zungu told FARPost.

"If I was the person I am now, how I think and how I see things. If I had used that while I was still there [at Pirates] I would have been far by now.

"Not that it’s a lost opportunity, but I was not in a good space personally. I think the environment that surrounded me at the time. Maybe I also got too excited and forgot why I was there,” he added.

"I feel that’s what happened but now I know the situation I come from, and I don’t want to go back there. That’s why I say I am starting from scratch with everything. I have left all the bad things behind me. Now, I need to make my life better and focus on football."

Zungu spent the 2022/23 season at Richards Bay on loan from Pirates after facing stiff competition in the previous seasons.

The AmaZulu academy graduate spent at least eight months unattached after leaving Bucs before he joined relegated NFD side Platinum City Rovers in March this year.

However, after Rovers' relegation from the First Division, the 28-year-old star resurfaced at Pretoria Callies last month. 

Zungu will continue to revive his career at Callies and hopes for opportunities from PSL clubs. 

On the other hand, Pirates have been doing well this season so far - having won their six opening matches as they look determined to win the title.