Chiefs step up Zungu pursuit

SABC Sport understands that Kaizer Chiefs aren™t ready to give up their pursuit of free agent Bongani Zungu just yet.

The Glamour Boys are busy assembling a new-look side for coach Arthur Zwane, who was appointed on a permanent basis last month, and have so far confirmed the arrival of defender Zitha Kwinika and striker Ashely Du Preez from Stellenbosch FC.

A few more deals are also in the works - the likes of Swallows trio Dillan Solomons, Kamohelo Mahlatsi and George Matlou as well as SC Braga™s Kobamelo Kodisang, while Chiefs are also in advanced talks to sign Yusuf Maart from Sekhukhune United.

Information gathered by SABC Sport is that Zungu remains a priority target, although the player confirmed during an exclusive interview on Metro FM's Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube that only Mamelodi Sundowns had made contact with his agent.

READ: REVEALED: Downs launch audacious Zungu bid

Zungu moved to Europe in 2016 to first play for Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal and was then signed by French Ligue 1 outfit Amiens SC a year later, who would then loan him out to Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers following their relegation to Ligue 2 in 2020.

The midfielder spent the 2021/22 season back at Amiens in the second tier and his contract has now come to an end, although he had been offered a new deal, which he is considering because he enjoyed living in France where his son was also born.

It™s thought that Zungu is keen to still explore Europe, and continue playing abroad in general, for a few more years before potentially returning to the Premier Soccer League later on.

But it™s understood Chiefs are very interested in having him as a marquee signing ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, which is scheduled to kick off in early August.

SABC Sport can confirm that the Glamour Boys have held talks with the player™s camp on and off since January, when it became official that he could sign a pre-contract, but nothing concrete has come out of those conversations just yet.

By Mazola Molefe