Latest news with #Lunga
IOL News
7 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns plans to extend Divine Lunga's contract post-Club World Cup
Mamelodi Sundowns is set to extend Zimbabwean defender Divine Lunga's contract following his impressive performances at the Club World Cup and his key role in their CAF Champions League final run. Picture: Lyn Gleeson/BackpagePix Divine Lunga is in line for an extension on his Mamelodi Sundowns contract following his strong showing at the Club World Cup. The 30-year-old Zimbabwean defender featured in all three matches for Sundowns at the showpiece event, and by all accounts delivered impressive performances. Since Lunga is now in the optional year of his contract, the timing of his strong play could not be better. Having first joined Sundowns back in 2021, Lunga was loaned out for the 2022/2023 season to Golden Arrows.
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Lunga can provide Divine intervention for Mamelodi Sundowns in Borussia Dortmund Fifa Club World Cup crunch
Divine Lunga (right), seen here in action against Ulsan, says that Mamelodi Sundowns are ready to square off with German giants Borussia Dortmund. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up for their biggest Fifa Club World Cup challenge tomorrow, when they lock horns with Borussia Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio (6pm SA time kick-off). Despite being deemed underdogs in this high-stakes encounter, the South African champions are brimming with confidence, ready to make their mark on the global stage. Zimbabwe international Divine Lunga, one of the stand-out players when Sundowns secured a crucial 1-0 victory against South Korea's Ulsan HD in their opening Group F match, said Dortmund are the 'big guns'. Lunga, who was a surprise inclusion ahead of the seasoned Aubrey Modiba against Ulsan, is acutely aware of the formidable reputation of their opponents, but is unfazed by the challenge ahead. Lunga has received great praise in Zimbabwe's media since he is the first player from the southern African nation to play in the Club World Cup, and was part of the first African team to win a match at the tournament. 'Everyone knows what Dortmund are capable of. They are not a small team... they are the big guns,' Lunga asserted. 'Yes, we might be underdogs, but where we come from, people know who Mamelodi Sundowns are, and they know what is going to happen when you meet up with Mamelodi Sundowns.' Eight-time Bundesliga champions Dortmund drew blanks in their opening game on Tuesday against Brazilian heavyweights Fluminense, while Sundowns moved to the top of the log after their 1-0 victory. Lunga praised the team's tactical preparation ahead of the Ulsan clash. Sundowns' triumph over Ulsan was more convincing than the 1-0 score-line suggests, with goal-scorer Iqraam Rayners seeing two more goals disallowed and Cardoso's men commanding 68% of the possession. 'We did well,' he stated, noting how they were able to anticipate Ulsan's game-play effectively. 'When they made changes, we were a bit surprised, but it was still going well on our side. 'I was happy about the win; we gave it our all, and everyone (in the team) fought to get a win. 'They were what we expected because we did analyse the games they had been playing before they came to the Fifa Club World Cup.' Given Dortmund's recent struggles, most notably a disappointing draw with Fluminense, the German side might be more vulnerable than ever. This presents Sundowns with a golden opportunity to secure one of their most illustrious victories to date. Cardoso will have a selection headache because some second-stringers produced superb performances in the opening group match. Newcomer Keanu Cupido, starting at centre-back, was one such player. He showcased his potential with a stellar performance, and emerged as a hero after he prevented a late equaliser with a crucial intervention. Much to the delight of the travelling Sundowns fans, Themba Zwane reclaimed the captain's armband after a nine-month hiatus due to injury. It will be interesting to see if Zwane is again in the starting line-up tomorrow. Tashreeq Matthews, the young winger, came off the bench during Sundowns' impressive victory over Ulsan. If he cracks the selection nod, he'll face his former club, providing a significant narrative twist to an upcoming fixture. While his time on the pitch was limited, Matthews showcased his undeniable talent, getting into superb positions. His ability to find space and create opportunities is a testament to his skills.
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Lunga unfazed by underdog ahead of Dortmund clash
'We might be underdogs but I think where we come from people know who Mamelodi Sundowns are,' said Lunga. Divine Lunga of Mamelodi Sundowns during the FIFA Club World Cup departure at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, on 08 June 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns are so dominant in the South African Betway Premiership that they enter most matches as clear favourites. But Saturday's FIFA Club World Cup clash against German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund is a different prospect altogether. ALSO READ: Cardoso's Zwane u-turn raises more questions than answers Sundowns currently top Group F with three points following their hard-fought 1-0 win over Ulsan HD on Wednesday. However, it's Dortmund who are expected to take control of the upcoming encounter at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. Lunga – 'Everyone knows what Dortmund are capable of' Victory for the Brazilians would secure their place in the knockout stage with one group match to spare. While defender Divine Lunga acknowledges that Sundowns will be viewed as underdogs against the star-studded Bundesliga side, he remains confident in their ability to compete at this level. 'We're traveling on Thursday, and I think it's a good thing that we're traveling early so that we get used to Cincinnati because we don't know much about the city,' he said. 'Everyone knows what Dortmund are capable of. They are not a small team, they are guns but even us we might be underdogs but I think where we come from people know who Mamelodi Sundowns are. 'They know what happens when you meet Sundowns but I think even Dortmund as well. I even read an interview of their coach talking about us so I think it will be a tough game and it's not going to be an easy one.' Lunga was one of the standout performers in the narrow win over Ulsan, where he earned a starting berth ahead of Aubrey Modiba at left-back. The Zimbabwean international, who impressed with a disciplined display, was quick to praise the Sundowns technical team for their tactical preparation. 'I feel happy about the win and I think we gave it our all. Everyone fought and we fought to get the win and I'm happy about the victory. We analysed their games that they played before they [Ulsan] came this side so we expected their approach,' Lunga concluded. Dortmund injuries Dortmund will be without the influential duo of Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can, both sidelined through injury but Sundowns will need to keep a close watch on Dortmund's exciting new signing Jobe Bellingham, who made his debut off the bench in the match against Fluminense. ALSO READ: Sundowns add to Club World Cup loot For Tashreeq Matthews, the encounter offers a unique opportunity to go up against his former club, having come through the Dortmund youth ranks earlier in his career. Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač will look to striker Serhou Guirassy to provide the firepower up front. The Guinea international enjoyed a prolific campaign in Germany, scoring 21 goals in the league.
The South African
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Devine Lunga makes FIFA Club World Cup history
Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Devine Lunga, has just carved out a special place in Zimbabwean football history. Lunga has become the nation's first-ever participant in the FIFA Club World Cup. His consistent performances for Sundowns helped earn CAF ranking points vital to their qualification. He played the full 90 minutes as Mamelodi Sundowns beat the South Korean side Ulsan HD FC 1-0 in their opening match on Tuesday. Born in Bulawayo in May 1995, Lunga started his career at the grassroots level with Ajax Hotspurs before moving on to Chicken Inn FC. He later crossed the Limpopo to try his luck in South Africa, eventually making his mark at Golden Arrows from 2018 to 2021. His performance there secured him a move to Sundowns, where he has remained ever since, except for a short loan spell back at Arrows. After winning the opening match, Mamelodi Sundowns, led by Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, are now top of Group F after Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund drew 0-0 earlier. Sundowns became the first African team to win a match in the expanded tournament. Iqraam Rayners found the back of the net in the first half, finishing off a neat assist from Lucas Ribeiro to give his side the lead, just minutes after seeing an earlier goal chalked off for handball. He thought he had a second later on, but the flag went up for offside. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Five minutes with rising star Lunga on how Zola 7 and Sun-El Musician took him out of homelessness
Mondli Lunga Dladla, better known as Lunga, is looking to cement his name in the music scene and will stop at nothing to do so. In pursuit of his musical dreams, Lunga, who hails from eNdwedwe (eBhamshela) in KwaZulu-Natal, moved to Johannesburg with his friend Lethulight facing challenges, including homelessness after being kicked out of Lethulight's uncle's house. Together they spent nights at McDonald's, taking shifts to avoid being thrown out. Their struggle and perseverance caught the attention of Zola 7, who offered them accommodation in Westdene in 2017. Despite these challenges, Lunga's determination never wavered. In 2019, financial difficulties forced him to return home, but shortly after Sun-El Musician invited him back to Johannesburg. This led to collaborations with top artists. With the release of his latest single Ngeke Sizwe Ngawe, Lunga is poised to take his career to new heights. TshisaLIVE spoke to the award-winning artist about his musical journey and more. You've spoken candidly about your struggles with mental health and struggles when you were homeless. What inspired you to put it in song? Ngeke Sizwe Ngawe is a message to anyone who's felt invisible or unheard. This song came from a place of deep reflection. It's a reminder that not everyone will understand your journey — and that's OK. It was my way of saying, 'you might not hear me, but I'm still here and I'm still standing'. 'There were moments when I was sleeping in a McDonald's with my brother Lethulight, taking turns to rest just so we wouldn't get kicked out. I felt rejected and unseen, but God kept me going, and people such as Zola 7 who gave us shelter at our lowest, reminded me someone believed in me.' Hailing from eBhamshela in eNdwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, how would you say your upbringing shaped you to be the man and the artist you are today? 'eBhamshela gave me my soul. Watching my mom sing in the Lundi Choral Choir taught me the power of melody, harmony and honesty. That place gave me everything.' How did working with respected names such as Sino Msolo, Given Zulu and Kenza affect your career? 'Working with artists of that calibre pushes you to elevate your craft. It's helped me become more intentional — vocally and sonically.' What is in the pipeline for Lunga and how do you see your career growing? 'No matter where you're from, your pain and your joy matter. That's the message I want to carry with me across the continent. I want them to see how far their love carried me.'
