Orlando Pirates

Nkanyiso Zungu of Stellenbosch FC controls the ball during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Stellenbosch FC and Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadiumon on 4 January 2020 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates signing not ready to face Wits in Nedbank Cup

Orlando Pirates will not be able to call on their new signing Nkanyiso Zungu when they meet Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup this weekend.

Orlando Pirates

Nkanyiso Zungu of Stellenbosch FC controls the ball during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Stellenbosch FC and Bidvest Wits at Cape Town Stadiumon on 4 January 2020 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

Attacking midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu will not be fit to face Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup round of 32, Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer confirmed.

Speaking to a press conference on Friday 7 February the German trainer revealed that the former Amazulu man arrived at Orlando Pirates carrying an injury.

Zungu not ready to make Orlando Pirates debut

The Sea Robbers made a surprise move for the 24-year-old who made 16 appearances for Stellebosch FC in the PSL this season, clinching the move last Friday. Orlando Pirates made room for Zungu by releasing 32-year-old Musa Nyatama, who has since joined Highlands Park.

How Zungu will spark Orlando Pirates midfield

Orlando Pirates’ fans might have hoped for a glimpse of the attack-minded player in their Nedbank Cup tussle with Gavin Hunt’s Wits team. Zinnbauer has, however, revealed there would be a wait to see the man whom Jomo Sono has tipped to be very influential for Bucs.

“At the moment [Zungu] has an injury so we cannot work with him, but I’m happy. I’m happy for all good players that we get [in the transfer market],” said Zinnbauer.

The coach was upbeat though and believes that the time in recovery will give Zungu an opportunity to get to grips with his footballing philosophy.

“It’s important that we bring him close to the squad quickly, and that he understands my system, but now we have time to work with him outside of the pitch, and I hope he comes back quickly to the pitch,” the coach added.

Zungu’s former coaches have been glowing in their praise for the product of Amazulu’s Youth team. Sono described him as among the best passers of the ball in the country while Usuthu youth development coach Ronnie Moroka likened him to Paul Pogba.

“He’s one player I love so much. He’s the best passer of the ball in this country. He can play a pass [from] 40 yards, 50 yards. He reminds me of Ernest Chirwali and Roger Feutmba,” said Sono of Zungu.

“He’s got good physique, he works very hard. he’s skilful as well, he can go pass people and he takes shots. Even in dead-ball situations I used to send him to hammer them. For me, this is the best signing. they [Pirates] have had this season.”

Moroka told Kickoff.com:

“He is a talented boy, he has bright future ahead of him.

“He reminds me of Paul Pogba the way he plays his football. He can shoot, he can pass long range. He can pass with both inside and outside foot. He has matured and I have no doubt he will succeed at Pirates.”