TVC E. Bafana Bafana midfielder Bongani Zungu says the crucial 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria is very important for them.
The South Africans are currently preparing for their clash in Nigeria away this Saturday and the Vitoria Guimaraes player in Portugal says they will play their brand of unique football.
Zungu said if they stick to their plan on the day, they can upset the Super Eagles in their backyard and claim the full three points.
“Very important time this – but we have the quality in our team, we have the players to do the business and we have the energy to do well,” said Zungu.
“We are playing our own unique football, we have a lot of tactically and technically gifted players that can do damage to any team, but we just have to have the belief, we have to stick to our plan.
“I have seen since my arrival here in camp that the coach has a plan and that rubs off on the players. If we stick to that plan I think we can beat anyone.
“I just hope the fans can rally behind the team and give us that oomph to perform because if our confidence is high, we can make things happen.”
Speaking about his personal growth in Europe, the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder adds that things did not start well in his stay with Guimaraes.
“It’s going very well, its been very great indeed. But things started very bad. I had an injury, which led me to gaining a lot of weight but credit must go to the club because they gave me necessary support,” adds Zungu.
“They helped with my weight and mental strength because at that time I was going through a lot, asking myself a lot of questions.
“I had a lot of negativity, so I really owe them a lot. Things changed drastically when I started playing and I just stamped my authority and my confidence grew with every game I played, the coach gave me a lot of confidence and the teammates were very supportive.
“It was a tough journey but worth it, and I am just happy that I was at the right place at the right time – the team is now in the Europa League, and I have been a key player for the club, so I am just in a very good space at the moment which is important for every footballer to perform well.”
The clash against Gernot Rohr’s men will be staged at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria at 18:00 (CAT).
