Zungu back with a bang
MIDFIELDER SAYS HE IS FAR QUICKER NOW New captain is ready to lead his men by example.
Bongani Zungu is back and bolder and looking to make an unforgettable contribution for Bafana Bafana who are preparing for a crunch Caf Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2019 qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Uyo on Saturday afternoon.
The 24-year-old Vitoria de Guimarães midfielder said his game had improved and that he would give his best for Stuart Baxter’s team if given a run at the weekend.
After spending the first half of the season on the sidelines in the Portuguese Primeira Liga due to injury, Zungu came back and became a star for Pedro Martins’ team and scored an incredible goal as they lost to Benfica in the Portuguese Cup final almost two weeks ago.
“I am happy to be back,” he said. “It’s been a while … everyone knows I have struggled with an injury for a while,” he added.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns player returns to the national squad who now have a new coach and he said the sessions the team have had have been enjoyable and that he will fight for a starting berth.
“If I get a chance to play I will grab it with both hands. The competition is good, there are a bunch of good midfielders who play locally. We are looking forward to the Nigeria game,” he said.
Zungu said his confidence was high after a good season in Portugal’s top league. “Not much has changed in my game but I believe I am a lot quicker now. Also my decision-making when I have the ball has improved. The environment in Europe has grown on me because the stadium is always full and you gain confidence. So my confidence is higher now,” he said.
Bafana will be captained by Thulani Hlatshwayo who was installed as a permanent skipper by Baxter on Monday and he said he would be looking to lead by example on and off the field.
“I am up for the job. I have captained against Nigeria before.
“When we look back at that game we were all over them but unfortunately we lost concentration in the critical stages. We know it will demand a lot of our soldiers on the field.
“I am one of them,” said Tyson, as Hlatshwayo is popularly known.