‘Such a massive club’: Rangers new signing wowed by Ibrox outfit, praises Steven Gerrard

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Glasgow Rangers newcomer Bongani Zungu has praised Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard for his kind words and is looking forward to focusing on his new team in wake of his latest snub at international level.

Gerrard’s Rangers signed the South African midfielder on a season-long loan deal from French second-tier club Amiens on Monday, with the option to make the 27-year-old’s deal permanent next summer.

In contrast to his positive trajectory at club level, Zungu has twice been left out of the South Africa team now by head coach Molefi Ntseki, who recently announced his latest squad.

The Light Blues new arrival has been snubbed for the upcoming international friendly matches against Namibia and Zambia this week.

“For me it’s clear. I’m not part of his [Ntseki] vision, part of his plans,” Zungu told South Africa’s Daily Sun. “Perhaps I’m not good enough for his team.

“There are no hard feelings. I get the message and I respect it. So, I won’t focus my energies on that. I’m going to focus on my new team and in the coach that believes in me.”

On Gerrard’s complimentary comments following his signing, Zungu added: “It’s very nice to hear the words of coach Steven Gerrard, talking about his belief in my abilities to bring me to such a massive club.”

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Rangers were very much in need of a solid number six, an enforcer who can protect the defence and add some steel at the base of midfield, and Zungu very much fits the bill.

A defensively-minded midfielder with quick feet and composure in tight areas, along with an impressive ability to hit accurate, long passes, the South African has drawn comparisons with Yaya Toure and Paul Pogba (Soccer Laduma).

As disappointing as it may be for Zungu to be snubbed at international level, his new manager at club level has a lot of faith in him, and hopefully he’ll hit the ground running for the Gers and deliver great displays.