‘Old Firm won’t faze him’ – Baxter delivers verdict on Rangers new addition
Former South Africa manager Stuart Baxter says that Rangers is a “good fit” for Bongani Zungu following the midfielder’s deadline day move to Ibrox.
South African international Zungu has joined the Gers on loan until the end of the season, with Rangers having the option to sign him permanently next summer.
Baxter, speaking to the Daily Record, has said the midfielder will be able to handle the pressure of Old Firm games, and claimed that working under Steven Gerrard will get the best out of him.
Baxter said: “Bongani can be anything he wants to be. He has the temperament to handle big occasions so the Old Firm won’t faze him. We played Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations in front of 75,000 screaming Egyptians and he was up against Mo Salah, Trezeguet and Mohamed Elneny were all playing.
“That would have been the equivalent of an Old Firm game in terms of hostile atmosphere and pressure situation. He just likes that competitive environment and that night showed me what he was all about.
“At club level, he’ll have come up against PSG, Marseille and Monaco in Ligue 1 so if you can hold your own there then you know technically he’ll manage. He’s a really talented lad and Rangers is a great choice for him because working with Gerrard in the environment of Rangers will bring the best out of him.
“I can’t stress enough that he needs to be on the edge, pushing and aggressive because that brings the best out of him. Gerrard, Scottish football and Glasgow Rangers is a good fit for him.”
Zungu’s arrival has added more depth to Gerrard’s midfield. The Gers manager will be spoiled for choice in the middle of the pitch now that Zungu has arrived and Ryan Jack is returning to full fitness.
Jack was given his first start since recovering from his most recent injury when Rangers played Ross County on Sunday afternoon. He managed to play 64 minutes in the 2-0 win, and his recovery will be giving Gerrard a selection headache.
Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis have been Gerrard’s midfield trio of choice in Jack’s absence, and it was Davis who was dropped for Jack on Sunday.
Zungu’s arrival will add to the healthy competition for places at Ibrox and will give Gerrard the options to rotate as Rangers look to keep up their strong start to the season both at home and in Europe, in what should prove to be a hectic season.
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