Steve Barker has ruled out a reunion with former Orlando Pirates attacker Nkanyiso Zungu, insisting that Stellenbosch FC have enough players in midfield.
Nkanyiso Zungu has struggled since leaving Stellenbosch to join Pirates midway through the 2019/20 campaign, with several reports of ill-discipline arising.
The 27-year-old is currently a free agent after Orlando Pirates decided against renewing his contract when it came to an end in June 2023.
Nkanyiso Zungu had spent the 2022/23 season away on loan at Richards Bay FC, where he failed to impress due to his off-field behaviour, which led to Pirates releasing him. Barker said the midfielder should also consider playing in the second-tier league.
In search of a new home, Zungu trained with Royal AM for a while and even played in a pre-season tournament, KZN Premier’s Cup, for the KZN side. However, he stopped training as Royal AM can’t sign new players as a result of the FIFA transfer ban following their failure to pay ex-striker Samir Nurkovic.
NO ROOM FOR ZUNGU AT STELLENBOSCH FC
Barker, who kept Zungu focused at Stellies, said: “We unfortunately full in that area.”
The former AmaZulu FC and Jomo Cosmos star played his best football under Barker in the Western Cape, where he featured in 18 games, bossing the midfield.
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At Pirates, he made 22 appearances in all competitions before leaving. With offers seemingly hard to come by in SA’s topflight, Barker has advised Zungu to consider looking at the second-tier league to revive his career.
“He [Zungu] has been speaking to me, I have been speaking to him because I’m trying to advise him even if he has to go down the level and just play,” added Barker.
“He needs to play because there is a lot of talent and get some lessons. So I hope he does find a team. But right now, unfortunately, in that midfield area, we are full.”