Zungu made the big move from Stellenbosch FC to Pirates at the end of January and has yet to make his competitive debut after arriving with a groin injury.
The 24-year-old midfielder was a staple at Stellies prior to his relocation to Johannesburg after helping the club to top-flight promotion last season.
With the Covid-19 pandemic having aided the former AmaZulu attacker's time to recover, his former coach Steve Barker believes he is ready and has all the attributes to become a hit at the Soweto giants, regardless of all their quality options in the middle of the park.
"In Nkanyiso's situation, he has all the attributes – physically, he's big and strong; mentally, he didn't have the easiest sort-of upbringings [so] he's a tough kid; technically, he's one of the best I've worked with," Barker told the SA Football Journalists' Association.
"He has the potential to become a regular player at Pirates and I think the challenge for him, which I did allude to when I spoke to him, is just that going to a club like Pirates has other challenges that he'll have to deal with – be it off the field or competition, etcetera.
"If he stays focused and applies himself mentally, pushes hard and is patient, and when he gets his chance, takes his opportunity – which I believe he will – he has a future there.
"But should it not work out for him in the first three-to-six months and he gets frustrated, it could become difficult for him.
"So I'm really hoping that he gets an opportunity, because I believe if he does then he will be able to command a regular place."
