IT didn't take Bongani Zungu long to feel part of the Rangers squad. Now he is eager to play a leading role for Steven Gerrard's side.

After finalising a move to Ibrox on deadline day earlier this summer, Zungu had to wait for his chance to join his new team-mates due to Covid quarantine regulations.

The South African was grateful for the welcome that he received from captain James Tavernier and the Light Blues and he has made a positive impression on supporters during his first ten outings under Gerrard's guidance.

The initial months have been pleasing for Zungu. He is confident there is plenty more to come this term.

“It has been awesome," Zungu said. "I have been lucky to come to a team that has a lot of good guys in the dressing room.

“They have welcomed me and the coaching staff have also in terms of what is expected of me on the pitch.

“Everything has been good so far. There are a number of guys who have helped me a lot.

“The skipper, from the first day I came, he sent me a message and then I got here guys like Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo, Connor Goldson and Jermain Defoe have all really helped me.

“I am so lucky to play for a team that has a lot of qualities. For me, instead of looking at it as competition, I am really excited as when I get a chance I have a lot of quality around me. That helps with my confidence.

“Those things take time and hard work, but the gaffer has shown me a lot of video clips and has been telling me what is expected of me.

“Of course, I am playing for a team that has a lot of attacks, but part of my job is to be the security behind the guys when we lose the ball.

“I am slowly but surely gaining my confidence and getting my form back. It has been clear from the first day what they really want from me and they are really helping me in training. I ask a lot of questions to know and to grow as a player."

Zungu's move to Rangers is the third that he has made in Europe following spells with Amiens and Vitória Guimarães in Portugal.

The 28-year-old played for University of Pretoria and Mamelodi Sundowns in his homeland and has also recently returned to the Bafana Bafana as he looks to impress on the international stage once again.

“People in South Africa are really into football," Zungu told the Rangers Matchday Programme. "They watch it a lot and a lot of them have seen me when I was a youngster growing up.

“I grew up in front of their eyes so they have really supported me from day one. It is quite exciting to see and hopefully we can grow to even bigger and better things.

“I always love playing for South Africa. It means a lot to me and through the years South African football has been struggling. I think, right now, we have a number of players that can bring back the glory days. That would be competing in the AFCON and making it to the World Cup – that would be our main goal.

“A lot of players who played in 2010 are no longer playing. Right now, we have a number of younger players and we have got a few who are playing in Europe.

“The guys are really determined to succeed, so hopefully we will take our country back to the highest level of football."