Kaizer Chiefs and Bongani Zungu: What we know so far
There’s plenty of lazy journalism connecting Bongani Zungu to Kaizer Chiefs but is there anything happening there?
Zungu to Chiefs is a no-go
Experienced playmaking midfielder Bongani Zungu is a free agent after being released by South African champions Sundowns. The 31-year-old had a trial at Rulani Mokwena’s Wydad AC in Morocco but nothing panned out. Zungu, aka Ben10, hasn’t kicked a competitive ball in anger since May 2024 so there are concerns around his fitness. According to FARPost, Kaizer Chiefs have zero interest in signing the former Vitoria Guimaraes, Amiens and Rangers midfielder. He joined Sundowns in 2022 after his six-year European stint.
Midfield competition is high
Chiefs currently have on-loan Njabulo Blom, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and youngster Samkelo Zwane as their defensive midfield options. However, according to SoccerLaduma, Amakhosi are closely following Puso Dithejane’s performance with TS Galaxy. The former academy product from Naturena has thrived in the number 10 role for Sead Ramovic’s side since his acrimonious departure from Naturena. According to the same publication, Thato Khiba is also a wanted man. The 28-year-old TS Galaxy defender is a versatile operator and Orlando Pirates have registered an interest and are willing to loan players out in order to facilitate a deal in January. Carling Knockout holders Stellenbosch are also keen on the former Chiefs DDC player.
“For now, there are other clubs that have joined the race for his services. First, it was the Pirates who showed interest first, and then the Chiefs, followed by Stellenbosch FC, have also inquired about him,” a source told SoccerLaduma.
Transfermarkt estimates the collective value of these four players to stand somewhere around R37 million and all of them would improve Chiefs’ chance creation and efficiency in the final third.
Fixtures to close out 2024
- Chiefs vs Richards Bay: Wednesday 27 Nov, 19:30
- Chiefs vs Royal AM: Saturday 30 Nov, 17:30
- Polokwane vs Chiefs: Sunday 08 Dec, 15:30
- TS Galaxy vs Chiefs: Monday 16 Dec, 15:30
- Chiefs vs Chippa: Sunday 29 December, 17:30
Do you think Zungu is a realistic target for Chiefs?
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