Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga says it’s not easy to break into the starting XI at the Tshwane giant and one has to work hard to earn his place. 

Despite the Brazilians having played 16 league games this season, the Zimbabwean defender has played only six games under his name. 

In the CAF Champions League, Lunga has also featured in six games. Speaking after the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal draw on Monday after they were paired and the winner of Royal AM/Milford FC vs. Sekhukhune United, the Zimbabwean national team defender emphasized the importance of playing well when you get a chance at Sundowns because many players willing to get that chance. 

“I’m happy to be at Sundowns, it’s just that you have to understand that every player here is talented,” Lunga said. 

“So, if you get a chance you have to use it properly and then the coach will tell you to push yourself. The coach tried by all means to push us to be on our A game because it’s not an easy journey, but you have to fight for it. 

 “If you don’t get a chance you need to be strong mentally and be patient. If you work for the opportunity they will give you and you can raise something then you spoil yourself. 

“All in all, you have to wait then when it’s come you have to grab it and push yourself. Every player is the best at Sundowns, so when you get your chance you have to play well. There’s no time to relax there, we work hard every time.” 

He continued: “Listening to the coach helps a lot, and it will make things easier for yourself. I think that’s what I always do every year. When the coach gives us instructions, he says something so I have to understand it and then push myself on it so that I can become better.” 

Meanwhile, the Premiership champions are set to face Marumo Gallants on Wednesday in the Betway Premiership. 

Despite reaching the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals this past weekend, they lost to TS Galaxy in their previous league game. 

The former Golden Arrows defender revealed that Dan Malesela’s side is tough tea, to break down and they need to be aware of the Zimbabwean attacker Daniel Msendami, who is his compatriot. 

“It’s not going to be an easy game, Marumo Gallants is a good team because they play good football,” Lunga said. 

 “So, I think it’s going to be a tricky one but we are going to do our best to come back home with maximum points. 

 “Daniel [Msendami] is a good player, but I think we could manage him because we have a strong team and we’ll not make things easier for him because we want maximum points. 

“He can dribble, he has speed, so he is a good player and even in the national team.”