Rangers have another decision to make on Bongani Zungu – this time for different reasons.
The South African international has been called upon by his country – but he could be prohibited from joining up with the rest of the squad due to Covid restrictions.
The Bafana Bafana are set to play at home to Ghana and away to Sudan in the upcoming international break at the end of this month.
Rangers have the decision to make as South Africa is on the UK government’s ‘Red List’ of restricted countries, meaning that the player would have to isolate for 10 days upon his return.
A compromise may be possible for Zungu only to play in the second game as Sudan is not on the same list but further clarity is expected on the situation over the next few days.
South African national team boss Molefi Ntseki was quoted on the matter, stating:
“Percy Tau from Brighton and Bongani Zungu at Rangers are meeting with their respective clubs and I will then engage with the players so that if we have to make any other arrangements, they’ve given us the go-ahead.”
“If the issue is coming to South Africa, we can always compromise by meeting up with them in Sudan for the second match after the Ghana game.”
“FIFA issued a circular that clubs can decide whether or not they will allow their players to leave for international duty due to Covid. I had spoken to all overseas-based players to assess the situation and we had agreed to revisit their concerns after the call-up letters were issued.”
Bongani Zungu has had a fortunate reprieve following the highly publicised Covid breach incident.
He has been given a final chance by manager Steven Gerrard but it remains unlikely that Rangers will thrash out a deal to sign the player on a permanent deal this Summer.
The on-loan midfielder was brought on to the pitch in the closing minutes in the 1-1 Europa League draw with Slavia Prague on Thursday.