Divine Lunga backs Mamelodi Sundowns’ patched defence to deliver in CAF Champions League final

Divine Lunga has issued a firm vote of confidence in Mamelodi Sundowns’ reshuffled backline, insisting the Brazilians can steady themselves in time for the decisive first leg of the CAF Champions League final.

The timing of Sundowns’ defensive wobble could hardly be worse. Seven goals conceded across their last two league outings has not only dented their aura but reopened the title race, handing Orlando Pirates a clear path to domestic glory.

Yet, while the Betway Premiership hangs in the balance, attention has sharply shifted to Sunday’s continental showdown against AS FAR in Pretoria.

At the heart of Sundowns’ recent struggles lies the absence of Keanu Cupido, whose commanding form had anchored their defence before a serious injury against Kaizer Chiefs.

His setback forced coach Miguel Cardoso into difficult decisions, with suspensions further complicating selection. Grant Kekana will miss the first leg, leaving Sundowns reliant on an unfamiliar pairing in central defence.

That uncertainty has raised legitimate concerns, particularly with limited Champions League minutes among the available options and recent individual lapses adding to the unease.

Still, Lunga has sought to project calm within the camp, emphasizing collective responsibility over individual shortcomings.

“I know it’s not a good thing for such a big team how we’ve been conceding. But we’re working on it. We’ll try to pull out our A-game and try to defend more and not concede,” Lunga said.

His belief rests on the depth and culture within the squad, where adaptability has long been a defining trait. Sundowns’ system, built on fluidity and technical security, often demands players step into unfamiliar roles, a challenge Lunga believes his teammates are equipped to handle on the grand stage.

“All I can say is that here at Sundowns, there are so many good players that anyone can fit in at any time,” he added.

Beyond tactics and personnel, the occasion itself carries historical weight. Sundowns are chasing their first continental crown since the Pitso Mosimane era triumph a decade ago, a drought that has sharpened both expectation and motivation.

For Lunga and his teammates, the final represents more than club success. It is a chance to restore South African prominence in African club football and deliver a long-awaited triumph.

“We are not doing it maybe for Sundowns only. We are doing it for South Africa,” he said.

In a final where margins are thin and pressure immense, Sundowns’ patched defence will be under intense scrutiny.