AmaZulu FC co-coach Arthur Zwane has explained how they are managing Bongani Zungu, who joined the club after being unattached for five months.
The midfielder signed for Usuthu in December 2024 in what was a surprising move, having been club-less since June when he left Mamelodi Sundowns.
‘Ben 10’, as he’s affectionately known, made his debut for AmaZulu on 8 January during their Betway Premiership match against Sekhukhune United. The game, unfortunately, resulted in a 2-0 loss for Usuthu.
The 32-year-old midfielder seems to have earned a starting spot in the line-up, having started four matches in the last five.
Zwane explained that they are cautious about over-relying on Zungu, given his five-month spell out of action, fearing it could lead to injuries.
ARTHUR ZWANE ON MANAGING BONGANI ZUNGU
“There is no doubt when it comes to the quality of Bongani,” said Zwane. “And the good thing about it, is you can see he is a player that has been overseas, played at the highest level, has represented the country at the highest level.
“So, he knows how to manage himself at the same time, as well as us trying to make sure that we don’t hurt him because sometimes to rely on him might cause problems for us, because the player like him, you need him on the field all the time.
“And that is why you can see we’re trying to manage him right now. 60 minutes, 70 minutes, 75, is always good. And that obviously will give us the signal as to can he last 80 minutes? Can he last 85 minutes? 90 minutes plus?
“So, that’s how we’re managing him because he’s been out of the game for quite some time.
“And the last thing that can happen at this present moment is us losing him due to an injury. And that’s what we are avoiding.”
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