Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
A tidal wave of pride has swept through Bulawayo’s Mpopoma after the suburb’s football son, Divine “Mgijimi” Lunga, was named in the Club World Cup Team of the Week, marking a historic moment for both the player and his hometown.
Lunga, who starred for South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the ongoing Fifa Club World Cup in the United States, earned an impressive 8/10 performance rating that landed him a place in the prestigious World XI, becoming the first Zimbabwean to receive such an honour at this level.
He also etched his name into the record books by helping Sundowns become the first African team to win a match and score at this stage of the competition, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Asia’s representatives, Ulsan HD of South Korea.
Back in Bulawayo, Mpopoma’s community is beaming with pride, and none more so than Siphambaniso Dube, the founding director of Ajax Hotspurs, who first discovered Lunga’s talent.
“We discovered Xolile Lunga (Divine). Our scouts from Ajax Hotspurs School of Soccer Excellence spotted him at Lukhanyiso Primary during the Ingwebu Schools Soccer Tournament, which they went on to win,” Dube recalled.
“He was a confident, bubbly 11-year-old, a quick winger-cum-striker banging goals for fun. Though he was two years younger than most of the boys in our setup, he was fearless and incredibly versatile.”
Lunga joined an Ajax Hotspurs team that included future Premier Soccer League stars like Chrispen Machisi, Peter Muduhwa, Thulani Gumede, and Brian Mpala. His progress was guided by junior coaches Gugulethu Dlomo, Mduduzi Emmanuel Dube, and Nqobizitha Ncube.
“There was no doubt his talent stood out. He captained our Division Two side at just 17 in 2012 before Chicken Inn, through the late Mkoma Simba, snapped him up. He played for their Under-18 team, which won the league, before quickly earning a professional contract,” said Dube.
Lunga later moved to Golden Arrows in 2016, before being signed by Sundowns, who initially loaned him back to Arrows to continue his development.
Although Ajax Hotspurs were not compensated for grooming the player, Dube remains hopeful:
“Communication with Fifa has begun. We’re optimistic that we’ll eventually receive what’s due to us. Regardless, we’re proud of what Divine has achieved.”
From the UK, where he now resides, Dube added:
“Divine is a testimony that there’s untapped talent in our communities. His rise will inspire many young players in Mpopoma and beyond. He’s been an excellent ambassador for our club and our suburb.”
Ajax Hotspurs currently campaign in the Zifa Southern Region Division One League.
Divine’s maternal uncle, Themba Lunga, said the family is filled with pride:
“He has done us proud. He was raised by his grandmother, who sadly passed away in 2020 before seeing all this. He was always disciplined, an obedient child who took after his uncles who played in the lower divisions.”
Themba added that local stars like Bekithemba Ndlovu, his brother Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu, and former Chicken Inn leftback Khumbulani Banda, all of whom lived on the same street, were big inspirations for Divine.
His former teacher at Lukhanyiso Primary School, Margaret Makombe, also beamed with pride:
“I taught him from Grades 5 to 7. He was talented and very industrious. I’m not surprised he’s made it to America, he was always committed. He’s made us all very proud.”
Neighbour Nqobile Ncube, who lives in the same street as the Lunga family, said the community was abuzz:
“He grew up in our hands. From a young age, you could tell he had something special. Everyone is talking about him, at the shops, in the streets, among the neighbours. It’s beautiful to witness.”
Kelly Mativenga, a teacher at Msitheli High School, where Lunga continued his education, said he was part of a rich footballing tradition at the institution.
“Divine was here around 15 years ago. He was a very talented player and is now an inspiration to the current students, many of whom are preparing for a tournament next week,” said Mativenga.
Msitheli has produced other football luminaries, including Tymon Mabaleka, Garikai Rwodzi, Collet Dube, Nelson Dube, John Sibanda and Dumisani Nyoni.
John Kheswa, a proud Mpopoma resident, summed up the suburb’s excitement:
“This boy has put Mpopoma on the global football map. When he returns after this tournament, we must celebrate him. He’s a hero, our role model. We love him.”
His former Zimbabwe PSL sideChicken Inn’s Nkululeko Nkala said: “It’s testament to that hard work and discipline will take you places. He is the pride of the club as one of our biggest exports. He is an inspiration to all the young players that it can be done.”
