Sundowns give Zungu return timeline

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has given an indication on when to expect newly signed midfielder Bongani Zungu's second debut for the Brazilians.

The Bafana Bafana international's return was announced more than a week ago at a packed Loftus Stadium minutes before Downs hosted Kaizer Chiefs in a DStv Premiership clash they won emphatically by a 4-0 scoreline.

Zungu spent the last six years in Europe, the majority of which were with French outfit Amiens after a spell with Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal, while he also spent a short loan stint with Scottish giants Rangers, where he worked with England and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

Asked whether the 29-year-old could be available for their league match against Stellenbosch tomorrow night or maybe even the Tshwane derby with SuperSport United in the MTN8 this weekend, Mngqithi advised that it is unlikely.

œI think he™s still a little bit far considering that he was not part of the pre-season training, and he still has a little bit of work to do because he has not been playing for the longest of times, Mngqithi told the media.

œBut we are hoping it will be shorter than two months because he is a very disciplined boy who works very hard. He is showing interest in really coming in and assisting the team, so we are looking forward to seeing the progress he makes in the next three to four weeks. But we are optimistic he will come in and help us.

Mngqithi also urged Sundowns fans to continue coming to the venues in their numbers, making a pledge that the reigning champions are only going to get better.

œAnd they must also be patient with the team. The team is going to come right and be very strong - stronger than it was last season. But this is a process, a process that we must tread very carefully to arrive at our final destination, the coach explained.

By Mazola Molefe