Zungu: The future is bright for South Africa despite AFCON exit

Bongani Zungu of South Africa celebrates goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo on the 10 July 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Jul 12, 2019. 12:00

South African midfielder Bongani Zungu feels his selection in Bafana Bafana's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad was justified.

The 26-year-old scored his second goal in the tournament as Bafana were eliminated by Nigeria on Wednesday.

Zungu, who is on the books of French side Amiens, nursed a long-term injury during the 2018/19 season.

"Personally, I think I had a good Afcon and I'm grateful because I came back from a long injury," Zungu told SuperSport TV.

"I'm grateful that the coach called me to the squad when a lot people were questioning it and I feel I did my best.

Zungu believes that the future is bright for South Africa despite their exit from the tournament.

"We've got a very good team, we got some young players. The future is bright for Bafana Bafana, we need to stay positive," he added.

"We look forward to more competitions and hopefully we'll learn from players and grow from this."