Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DEVINE Lunga spent most of the season watching and waiting. Waiting for minutes. Waiting for a chance. On Sunday night, he ended up with the biggest prize in African club football.
The Zimbabwean defender helped Mamelodi Sundowns end a 10-year wait for CAF Champions League glory after a 1-1 draw against AS FAR sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory.
But it nearly became a painful night for the Warriors defender.
Lunga gave away a first half penalty after bringing down an opponent inside the box and suddenly Sundowns were under pressure.
For a moment, things looked like they were turning against him.
Then football changed direction.
Ronwen Williams came up with a huge penalty save before Teboho Mokoena struck to settle nerves and send Sundowns into celebration mode.
For Lunga, it was a moment that felt a long way away just a few weeks ago.
The defender had struggled for regular game time and only got his opportunity after Aubrey Modiba limped off injured during the first leg.
Now he has the biggest title of his career.
After the final whistle, relief and excitement poured out.
“I am happy because of the people who support me. Even when things were not looking good for me, I was shocked that people still believed in me and backed me through the whole match,” said Lunga.
“The only thing that put me here is hard work. It wasn’t easy for us but I feel awesome. There is another star on this logo now and I want to congratulate the guys and the team.”
Lunga said the campaign had also given him something he wants to carry back into the Warriors set-up.
“It is also the experience I wish to take back to the national team. The courage and the will to keep fighting and believing in winning.”
He also felt lifting the trophy was a way of repaying the faith shown by the club leadership after years of coming close.
“Everyone wanted this. We kept reaching quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals and coming back with nothing. This time we came back with something.”
“Our fans are going to be happy.”
For months he waited for his chance.
When it came, Lunga grabbed it with both hands.
