Bhengu hints at chasing big time in PSL

Thanda Royal Zulu might be preparing to slog away in the National First Division for another year, but their chief striker Phumelele Bhengu clearly isn't.

THANDA Royal Zulu might be preparing to slog away in the National First Division for another year, but their chief striker Phumelele Bhengu clearly isn't.

The 25-year-old who scored 22 goals for Thanda this season gave the biggest hint yesterday that he was keen to return to the Premier Soccer League even if it meant leaving his teammates behind.

"I'm still contracted to Thanda," Bhengu said.

"When you have reached a certain level in life, as a person, it's good to push yourself to the next level so that you can experience and get exposed to new challenges to see whether you can overcome those challenges."

Thanda failed in their bid to get promoted to the top-flight this season after finishing fourth on the NFD table and missing out on a spot in the play-offs.

As a result of his goal spree, Bhengu, a former Moroka Swallows striker, was called up to the Bafana squad ahead of the Cosafa Cup tournament in North West later this month. Bafana face Botswana on May 24.

Bhengu said he was eager to use his chance in the limelight with the national team to be considered by coach Shakes Mashaba in future.

"There was a time in my career where I experienced a slump and things didn't go the way I planned," he said. "I don't want to go back there."