Bongani Zungu’s ‘rare quality’ can spark AmaZulu against Marumo Gallants

AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane says the acquisition of former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu will have a positive effect on the younger players in his squad.

The KwaZulu-Natal outfit will take on Marumo Gallants in their Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday night (7.30pm kick-off).

Five points separate the two sides, with the KZN side having played one more match than Gallants.

Usuthu have mastered the art of a comeback following their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Stellenbosch FC two weeks ago.

They have picked up four points from their last two matches, and they will face a Dan Malesela-led Siwelele sa Marumo, who are still hungover by their 2-1 loss against Richards Bay on Tuesday.

Currently in ninth position on the log with 20 points from their 16 matches, Usuthu could not take advantage of a wounded Kaizer Chiefs following their 1-0 derby heartbreak at the weekend against Orlando Pirates.

Despite being under pressure for large parts of the contest, AmaZulu took a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute through the head of Elmo Kambindu, but they could not hang on as Chiefs managed to find their way back in to salvage a 2-2 draw.

The KZN side have had a stop-start season, and Zwane said that he hopes his team can shake it off.

And one of the players he feels can help steer his side in the right direction against Gallants will be Zungu.

📲 Nangu Muntu 🤳🏾 #HebeUsuthu pic.twitter.com/McfYqDqrKG

— AmaZulu FC (@AmaZuluFootball) February 5, 2025

“There is no doubt about the quality of Bongani. Obviously, bringing him on board, we knew we were going to be killing three or even four birds with one stone, firstly because we needed him on the field,” the AmaZulu co-coach said.

“Secondly, we needed him to guide the youngsters in the team, and he is currently doing that very well for us.

“He has a rare quality, and a lot of youngsters that you are grooming can learn a lot from him.”

Zwane added that in his early days at Naturena, he had a lot of experience around him, and that helped him grow and develop.

Affectionately referred to as ‘10111’ because of his speedy style, which reminds people of the police flying squad, Zwane was thrilled to have a player like Zungu on his team.

However, he has also been equally impressed by the emerging young talent across the country.

“When I got to Chiefs as a player, there were senior players. You always need quality, disciplined senior players that are focused and show dedication and commitment that will help youngsters,” he said.

“Teams are producing young quality players and these youngsters, without the guidance of senior players, trust me, will never get it right by themselves.

“They will fluctuate in terms of performance, and we want consistency as its good for South African football and good for the development and the national team, because most of them will be doing very well, and some of them we will see playing overseas.

“It’s good for the country, and that is what we have been fighting to achieve and you can see its achievable and everyone is responding positively.

“I’m more than happy to have someone like Bongani and many other senior players who are doing well for the team.”