Lunga sends defiant title message to Pirates as Sundowns face ‘must-win’ clash

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga insists the Brazilians are not feeling the heat of the Betway Premiership title race despite a frustrating midweek stumble against Kaizer Chiefs.

Divine Lunga shares the team’s mindset ahead of last home #BetwayPrem clash🗣️#Sundowns #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/K9eiUcWitT

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 9, 2026

The defending champions saw their lead at the summit under threat after a 1-1 draw with Amakhosi at Loftus Versfeld. While Masandawana remain three points clear, the momentum has shifted toward chasers Orlando Pirates, who hold a game in hand and a superior goal difference—leaving Sundowns with zero margin for error.

Miguel Cardoso’s side must now navigate a tricky penultimate fixture against “giant-killers” Siwelele FC at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

‘Water under the bridge’ – Lunga on Chiefs clash

Speaking ahead of the clash, Lunga was adamant that the squad hasn’t been rocked by the dropped points.

“The boys are in a good mood,” Lunga told club media. “Even though we didn’t pick up the result we wanted against Kaizer Chiefs, the energy is there to step into this game against Siwelele.

“We aren’t putting too much pressure on ourselves; we’re just taking it one game at a time. That’s what we always do at Sundowns. We’ve been doing it for so long, and we can’t change that mentality now.”

Despite the public display of calm, Lunga admitted there was initial hurt in the dressing room after the Chiefs stalemate.

“The boys were sad after the game, but we have to gel quickly because the games are coming week in, week out. That result is water under the bridge now. We have to focus on the new challenge.”

🚨𝙂 𝘼 𝙈 𝙀 𝘿 𝘼 𝙔🚨

🆚 Siwelele
⏰ 17H30
🏟 Lucas Moripe Stadium
📺 SS 202#Sundowns #BetwayPrem #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/mWiCFnZdSY

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 9, 2026

The Siwelele Threat For Sundowns

The task won’t be easy. Siwelele arrive in Pretoria unbeaten in their last five outings—a run that includes a stunning 2-0 victory over the same Kaizer Chiefs side that just frustrated Sundowns.

Lunga warned that Masandawana would be showing their opponents “huge respect” as they look to avoid another slip-up that could hand the keys to the title to the Buccaneers.

“We don’t expect an easy game. The league is reaching its end, and everyone wants to finish strongly,” Lunga added. “We aren’t expecting a walkover. It’s going to be a fight, and we have to bring our A-game to collect all three points.”

With the season finale looming, Saturday’s result will likely determine whether the trophy stays in Tshwane or if the door is left wide open for a final-day heist by Orlando Pirates.