Nkanyiso Zungu is back at Royal AM as his search for the new club has become futile this season.
Zungu was allowed by Royal AM to leave their camp a few weeks ago to try his luck elsewhere because they can’t sign players at the moment.
Royal AM coach John Maduka didn’t find that as an issue, saying it was understandable for Zungu to go elsewhere but if the situation changes he would sign him because he was impressed by him in the camp.
As the former Orlando Pirates midfielder was granted that, he tried his luck with AmaZulu, his former club, but he was not successful to get the contract.
However, he is back in the side and was in the stands as Royal AM lost 1-0 to Sekhukhune United at home midweek last week.
But again it doesn’t change the situation of the Royal AM as, even though Zungu is a free agent, they cannot register new players as they have not overturned the FIFA ban.
Royal AM was banned by FIFA for two transfer windows to failing to settle the contract of their former striker Samir Nurkovic, who took the matter to FIFA and it came in his favour even though Royal AM stoutly fought it via Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, with club president Shauwn Mkhize saying the player was dishonest, arriving during the pre-season injured and they believed him without doing medicals.
As they didn’t do medicals and the blame allegedly went to former CEO Sinky Mnisi who allegedly signed the player as head honcho of signings then, this has bitten Royal AM’s tail hard.
Zungu was released by Pirates at the end of last season, with Soweto giants opting not to renew his contract. He was sent out on loan last season at Richards Bay FC, but he couldn’t finish the term due to discipline issues.
He joined Pirates in the second half of the 2019/20 season from Stellenbosch FC, who he led to the PSL top flight promotion the previous term, featuring in all 30 matches.
He continued with that form in the first half of the following season in the top flight and that led to Pirates steaming to sign him at the end. But he couldn’t continue in that form despite potential being there which still is.
Another player in the same shoes at Royal AM is Sibusiso Sibeko, who arrived after he left relegated side Marumo Gallants. Unlike Zungu who momentarily left to try elsewhere, Sibeko has been with the club since the off season.
