“Like Gambling” – Lunga’s Bold Take On Sundowns’ Champions League Final Revenge

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga says the Brazilians are determined to bring the CAF Champions League trophy back to Chloorkop as they prepare for their second consecutive final in the competition.

Sundowns reached the final last season but suffered heartbreak after losing to Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, who lifted the prestigious trophy for the first time in their history.

This season, the Tshwane giants have another opportunity to rewrite history when they face Moroccan side AS FAR in the final, with the first leg set to take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.

The Brazilians will be hoping to use their home advantage to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the return leg in Morocco next weekend.

Sundowns are chasing their second CAF Champions League crown after famously winning the title in 2016 under former coach Pitso Mosimane. From that victorious squad, only captain Denis Onyango and veteran midfielder Themba Zwane remain at the club.

Lunga admitted that the players are fully aware of the significance of the occasion and the responsibility of ending the club’s long wait for continental success.

“I’m happy to be playing in the CAF Champions League final again this season, and we want to try and bring the trophy home,” said Lunga.

“It’s been a decade since the team last won this trophy. We’ve reached the semifinals in previous seasons, while last season we made the final, and this season we are in the final again. So, we will do our best to bring the trophy home.”

The 30-year-old also reflected on Sundowns’ previous meetings with AS FAR, with the two sides having played to two 1-1 draws, home and away, during last season’s group stage.

However, Lunga believes the final will present a completely different challenge despite both teams already knowing each other well.

“What I can say is that the Champions League is different,” he added.

“Yes, we played against them last season, and we know their strengths and weaknesses. This competition is like gambling.

“So, we will do our best, especially because we are starting at home. We will try to score goals so that we can defend our advantage in the second leg away from home.”