Manager of Scottish Premiership club Rangers, Steven Gerrard is excited on the signing of Bafana Bafana international Bongani Zungu.
The midfielder completed a dramatic deadline day loan move to Scottish giants Rangers FC.
Zungu was linked with a move to Rangers for a long time, but the deal was done on transfer deadline day.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder joins Rangers on a season-long loan deal with a buy option from French Ligue 2 side Amiens.
“Bongani Zungu fits the profile of player that adds further strength and depth to our midfield. We made it clear that we wanted a player who will enhance our squad and starting XI. We believe Bongani does this,” Manager Steven Gerrard said.
“We wanted a dominant midfielder with the right profile who can enhance the team and compliment other players we have. We have monitored this situation all summer and now feel it’s the right time.”
Zungu also admitted that he is excited by the incentive of playing in the Europa League for a club as big as Rangers FC.
“I have studied the squad and feel I can come in and bring my attributes to help the team improve. The chance to play for such a big club especially in European competitions is very exciting for me.” Bongani Zungu told the club’s official website.
“I can’t wait to fly to Scotland and meet my new team mates. I know that I will settle in Glasgow and am looking forward to getting started as soon as possible. I really want the fans to be proud of my performances and will always give 100 per-cent for my new team.
“Rangers is a global club and I know there are already many supporters across Africa. I am looking forward to playing in front of a big crowd and audiences across the world.”
Rangers’ Sporting Director, Ross Wilson revealed that the lengthy lockdown in South Africa due to the coronavirus was the reason it took until the deadline day to secure the services of the midfielder.
“Bongani is a player whose situation we have monitored throughout the window.” – Wilson said.
“We are excited to have him join Rangers. Following a difficult and prolonged period of lockdown in South Africa, it would have been hard for him to have joined us at an earlier stage of the window.
“However, we have kept an open and positive dialogue with Bongani Zungu and Amiens, and the structure of this agreement works well for all parties.”
Rangers sit on top of the Scottish Premiership table and will face league rivals Celtic this weekend.
