Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
ZIMBABWEAN international Divine Lunga is just a few battles away from immortality as Mamelodi Sundowns continue their explosive charge towards Confederation of African (Caf) Champions League glory.
The Warriors hardman is now carrying the hopes of an entire nation after Masandawana flew out to Morocco for a high-stakes showdown against AS FAR in the decisive second leg of their continental blockbuster on Sunday.
With Sundowns holding a precious 1-0 advantage from the first leg in South Africa, the stage is perfectly set for Lunga to write his name into African football folklore.
Should the Brazilians go on to conquer the continent, Lunga would become one of the few Zimbabweans to lift Africa’s biggest club trophy, joining legendary forward Khama Billiat, who inspired Sundowns to Caf Champions League success in 2016.
For Zimbabwean football lovers, memories of Billiat tormenting defenders across Africa in Mamelodi Sundowns colours remain fresh. Now another son of the soil is knocking on history’s door.
And Lunga knows exactly what is at stake.
The tough-tackling left-back has quietly become one of the trusted soldiers in the Sundowns dressing room, producing disciplined displays whenever called upon in one of Africa’s most star-studded squads.
But Morocco will provide a completely different beast.
AS FAR are expected to unleash an all-out assault in front of a hostile crowd desperate to drag their side back into the tie. The atmosphere is expected to be deafening, the pressure unbearable and the stakes enormous.
Yet Sundowns remain calm.
The South African giants are no strangers to continental warfare and their narrow first-leg victory has given them a crucial psychological edge heading into enemy territory.
For Lunga, who excused from the Warriors squad that will play in a Unity Cup in London to enable him concentrate on club duty, this is more than just football.
It is a shot at legacy.
It is an opportunity to elevate himself into the elite company of Zimbabwean football heroes who conquered Africa.
From Bulawayo streets of Mpopoma to the grand stages of African football, the defender’s rise has been built on resilience, discipline and hard work. Now destiny is calling.
A successful campaign would not only strengthen Sundowns’ growing dominance on the continent, but could also inspire a new generation of Zimbabwean players dreaming of shining on Africa’s biggest stage.
As the countdown to Sunday’s explosive clash gathers momentum, Zimbabwean fans will be praying that Lunga and Sundowns survive the Moroccan storm and move one giant step closer to continental supremacy.
History is certainly awaiting!
