Despite limited appearances due to fitness issues and fierce competition for places, one of South Africa's most successful clubs is expected to show remarkable faith in a defender by offering him an extended stay at Chloorkop.
The player, who has had to battle for game time amid a wealth of talent in his position, appears to have impressed the technical team enough to warrant a long-term commitment.
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Insiders close to the Betway Premiership champions indicate that Mamelodi Sundowns have offered left back Divine Lunga a new two-year contract, with a one-year option.
This contract could then run until June 2028 if the Brazilians exercise the option.
"You see, apparently the main factor to Divine's new contract is coach (Miguel) Cardoso. Things changed when he came in and that's when Divine started having game time and it's believed he recommended for him to stay on at the team. Apparently he is different from the other three left backs in Aubrey Modiba, Terrence Mashego and (Asekho) Tiwani and that's why the coach feels they still need him and hence the new two-year contract which has a one-year option as well," the insider told the Siya crew.
Meanwhile a second insider stated that with the possibility of Terrence Mashego leaving and the team still fighting for Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien, they wanted to be assured of another left back staying.
"They looked at different situations at left back and with Mashego almost on his way out then it's believed that the club had to secure the future of one of the experienced left backs and Divine Lunga is that one. His new contract is expected to run from July 2025 to June 2027 then that one-year option which could run until June 2028," the second insider revealed.
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The Zimbabwean international joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021 from Golden Arrows where he spent some time on loan last season. This season before suffering an injury, the 29-year-old had played games for Sundowns, so he's proven that he does have a role to play in the team.
This potential contract extension highlights Sundowns' strategic depth planning as they prepare for multiple competitions next season, including the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Despite Lunga's limited appearances, coach Cardoso clearly values the unique qualities he brings to the position.
The defender's experience and different profile from other left-back options offers tactical flexibility that could prove crucial during the demanding schedule ahead. With potential movement at the position and ongoing transfer pursuits, securing Lunga represents a blend of continuity and stability in an area where Masandawana are actively reshaping their options.
