South Africa manager Molefi Ntseki has claimed he “never had a problem” with Rangers signing Bongani Zungu after leaving him out of previous Bafana Bafana squads.
Zungu, 28, has only made one appearance under Ntseki since he took over from Stuart Baxter with the midfielder omitted from the squad which played friendlies against Namibia and Zambia earlier in the month.
But speaking to South African media, Ntseki believes that after moving to Rangers Zungu is much more settled and now mentally ready to join the squad after recalling him for the next round of internationals.
“I have never had a problem with Zungu,” said Ntseki [Sowetan].
“It was just some of the comments that were made that ended up clouding the relationship I have with all the players that are eligible to play for this country.
“If you are not selected, there are reasons for that. If you are in the national team, there is a reason for that.
“When you look at Zungu, what has been happening with him in the past is that the club [Amiens] got relegated, there was an advent of coronavirus, and then he had to go back and then he wanted to leave, ultimately now he is settled at Glasgow Rangers.
“Him being settled now at Glasgow Rangers, we felt that he would be ready mentally and physically to come and play for the team.”
The comments Ntseki refers to are those of a frustrated Zungu who was forced to apologise to the South Africa coach after saying he was “very angry” at being left out back in May [Goal].
The midfielder would then claim that he didn’t see himself being part of Ntseki’s “vision” adding that there were “no hard feelings” and he would instead focus on club football.
“For me it’s clear. I’m not part of Ntseki’s vision, I’m not part of his plans,” said Zungu [Scottish Sun].
“Perhaps I’m not good enough for his team.
“There are no hard feelings. I get the message and I respect it.”
However, the situation appears to have been resolved with Zungu back amongst the South African set up following his move to Rangers.
Rangers have also taken to Twitter to unveil Bongani Zungu for the first time as he officially completes a two-week quarantine following a move from France.
