Former Mamelodi Sundowns player Bennet Mnguni has come to the defence of the club's decision to release four of their players recently.
Midfield duo Gaston Sirino and Bongani Zungu, who were fan-favourites at the Tshwane giants, are among the four players to have been let go by the league's defending champions.
Defender Brian Onyango and striker Thabiso Kutumela complete the list of the players that have been let go by Sundowns so far.
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"There is no club that can release a player they still need. Sometimes as supporters, we don't know what is happening inside the club," Mnguni tells KickOff.
"If you look at how many games these players played last season, it tells you they haven't played much, even though the coach was giving every Sundowns player a chance.
"Even myself, if I wasn't getting enough game-time, I would ask the club to release me because I'm not contributing anything.
"But it's only the club who knows the real reason why they were released. I support any decision the club takes. It's a good thing to show those who are left behind that if you don't work hard, you'll be shown the door," adds the former FC Rostov man.
Mnguni says he was not surprised to see Zungu parting ways with The Brazilians.
"I love Zungu for being tactically and physically good, but since he came back from overseas, he doesn't want to work hard.
"You complement your talent by working hard, but Zungu was not working hard.
"Come on, guys, let us be fair!
"Zungu was always average. That's why he ends up injuring himself and other people. He is talented, but if he doesn't change his attitude, he is going to retire soon.
"He must never forget that this is his bread and butter. He must fine-tune his mind. Compare the Zungu that left South Africa and the Zungu that came back from overseas, they are no longer the same.
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"This is not the Zungu that I know."