Former Rangers player Bongani Zungu remains in the international wilderness as he has been overlooked for the South Africa squad as the national team takes on France and Guinea later this month.
Zungu has had a resurgence of late, getting regular game time at French side Amiens following early-season woes and weight issues which prevented him from making his first appearance until December.
Zungu missed most of the preseason as he was in his native South Africa, whereas Amiens French coach Philippe Hinschberger criticised the player due to weight issues.
“Bongani Zungu is not ready to play, his issue is that he has a weight problem.” Said Hinschberger [ScottishSun].
The South African has been playing regularly since the end of December and showing some of the form that persuaded Steven Gerrard to sign him on a loan deal from Amiens last season.
Former Rangers midfielder Bongani Zungu overlooked for the South Africa squad
South African coach Hugo Broos hasn’t called up Zungu since he became manager in May 2021 and has offered an explanation.
“You know when you see his career until now and what happened over the last few years, yes I will see for the next few months, but I don’t think for the moment it’s the right time to take him.” Said Broos [IdiskiTimes].
This comes at a time when the 29-year-old is reportedly being looked at by Kaiser Chiefs [Goal] with his Amiens contract due to expire at the end of the current campaign.
It hasn’t been a particularly great 12 months for the player and maybe a move to his homeland is needed for a fresh start.
He walked away from Ibrox a league winner, and this should be used as a confidence boost ahead of trying to impress the national team coach.
Meanwhile, Kenny Dalglish has heaped praise on Rangers following their excellent Europa League run so far.