Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has underscored how left-back Divine Lunga has become a vital cog in his star-studded squad.
The 28-year-old has established himself as a mainstay in Sundowns’ hotly contested left-back position.
He joined Sundowns from Golden Arrows in 2021 but initially struggled for game time at the serial winners. As a result, the Tshwane giants loaned him to Golden Arrows for the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.
Upon returning for 2023/24 season, he spent the first half of the season on the sidelines, awaiting his Permanent Residency permit. He finally got his chance to play in their 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates on the 17th of February.
Since then, the talented left-back Divine Lunga has commanded the first team jersey in coach Mokwena’s star-studded team.
On Tuesday, Mokwena was forced to withdraw the Zimbabwean international during their Tshwane giants clash with SuperSport United, preserving him from injury.
WHAT RULANI MOKWENA SAID ABOUT DIVINE LUNGA
The match ended in a 1-1 stalemate, and the outspoken mentor took time to stress how Lunga has become so dear to him.
“Divine was limping on the left. He has been playing so well, and I was just afraid that we were going into a period where we got some important games, he might pull a muscle,” said Mokwena.
“So it’s just a precaution. In fact, I wanted to put Thapelo [Morena] in a higher position. And when Divine made that run two minutes before, and then you saw the recovery coming back, I was scared.
“And then I couldn’t say to Thapelo sit back down. That’s the beauty of Morena, I love him because, he gives you left-back, right-back which I don’t think are his best positions. And he gives you left-wing, right-wing, nine, ten and even eight. That’s the beauty of having a player like Thapelo.
“Some you have to prioritise, and Divine is becoming so important for us that we have to wrap him around a bit of cotton wool,” added the Mamelodi Sundowns coach.
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