Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has shed light on Bongani Zungu’s less visible yet crucial contributions, highlighting the midfielder’s impact beyond the scoresheet.
In a tactical shift during Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup Last 32 encounter against La Masia on Tuesday night, Mokwena opted to utilise experienced midfielder Zungu in an unfamiliar defensive role.
This is due to the absence of regular centre-backs Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala, who returned from the 2023 AFCON tournament with Bafana Bafana injured.
Sundowns experimented with a back-three formation in the first half of the La Masia clash, with Sipho Mbule playing as a centre-back. However, this formation was adjusted at halftime, with Zungu taking over Mbule’s role in defence.
As much as Mbule and Zungu played more defensively yesterday when the team was attacking, they would push up somewhat to add numbers in the midfield.
Mokwena showered praise on Zungu, stating that the former French Ligue 1 star’s adaptability and leadership skills make him an asset to Sundowns.
RULANI MOKWENA APPLAUDS BONGANI ZUNGU’S IMPACT AT SUNDOWNS
The Sundowns coach also believes that Zungu showcased his capabilities beyond his typical midfield position.
“Bongz [Zungu], he’s got seniority, he’s got experience, he’s matured, his time in Europe has really helped him to become a top football player, and technically, he is at a very good level,” said Mokwena.
“He organises the team and [does] a lot of coaching on the pitch, and these are some of the things you don’t really see. He is selfless; he’s a good human being. Bongz looks after the younger ones and the team.
“Bongz gives leadership and coaches the players on the side sometimes even after training, and I saw his leadership during some of the set pieces where he was organising the team.
“So I’m very proud of him. But proud of the entire team and of all the subs. They did well, and the mentality was good, and Bongz was one of the standout performers in the second for sure,” added Mokwena.
The 2023/24 season has seen Zungu make 21 appearances for Sundowns so far, with the CAF Champions League being one of the competitions he has participated in.
Notably, the 31-year-old played a role in securing Sundowns’ victory in the inaugural African Football League [AFL] tournament.
RELATED STORY: Sundowns thrash La Masia to book Nedbank’s Last 16 spot
