Striker Etiosa Ighodaro has expressed frustration with Mamelodi Sundowns, saying he is tired of being loaned out. Ighodaro was on Monday unveiled on loan to AmaZulu from Sundowns until the end of the season.

According to Sportswire sources, AmaZulu sought to sign Ighodaro permanently from Sundowns, but the African giants were reportedly unwilling to engage with them. Usuthu also signed Luvuyo Phewa on loan from Sundowns, who has similarly expressed dissatisfaction with being repeatedly loaned out.

Ighodaro spent last season on loan at SuperSport United, scoring seven goals in all competitions, while Phewa was at Cape Town Spurs, who were relegated.

“I feel like right now, it is what it is,” said Ighodaro when asked about being loaned out. “It has toughened me mentally because I have to prove myself repeatedly, but I’m determined to do that here again. I’m looking forward to working with the players, and based on what I’ve seen, it’s a good team. I’m eager to contribute my skills and abilities.”

Ighodaro admitted to harboring ambitions of playing for Sundowns in the future. “I would love to play for Sundowns, but it’s not up to me,” he said. “I need to keep working hard and getting more playing time.”

Despite his young age of 23, Ighodaro rejected the idea that he has time to change the situation. “I feel like they convinced me to accept this loan,” he explained. “We’ll see what happens at the end of the season because I had offers to move abroad, but Sundowns controls my career.

“This decision was difficult. It didn’t make much sense, but obtaining residency (after playing over five years in South Africa) will benefit me in the PSL. If I leave now, it will hinder my residency goal, which is important for my future plans in Europe.”

Sportswire has contacted Mamelodi Sundowns for comment and their side of the story will be added in the story.

Others unveiled by Usuthu on Monday are Boniface Haba, Kwanda Mngonyama, Senzo Ndlovu. Usuthu president Sandile Zungu said, since the PSL market is open until sometimes in September, additions might be made.