Brothers in Battle: 
Sundowns Stars Ready for AFCON Battle
Brothers Battle – Modiba Discusses AFCON Battle with Lunga and Mudau
Aubrey Modiba© Backpage PixAuthor: Erica MathyeThe AFCON fever is here — and before jetting off for final preparations, Mamelodi Sundowns’ defensive trio of Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau and Divine Lunga sat down to talk all things African Cup of Nations.This year’s tournament, kicking off on 21 December, brings a thrilling twist to Group B: Lunga’s Zimbabwe will once again face Modiba and Mudau’s South Africa, with Egypt and Angola completing one of the toughest groups in the competition.
For Modiba and Mudau, the clash with Zimbabwe marks the third meeting between the nations within a year after their World Cup qualifying battles in Group C. In this candid conversation, the defenders reflect on their previous AFCON experience, share stories of rivalry and pride, and offer a glimpse into the mindset of players preparing for Africa’s biggest stage.

With Aubrey Modiba, who was aspiring to be a journalist when he was young, he held his first on-camera interview the pair as a moderator.
© Backpage PixAubrey ModibaAubrey Maphosa Modiba (AMM): Let us talk about that famous clash between the two of during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Durban— the one everyone was talking about (laughs). Was the intensity because you know each other so well from playing together?
Khuliso Mudau (KM): Absolutely. When you know someone’s strengths and weaknesses from training every day, you naturally anticipate each other’s moves. The game was tough, but once we step onto that pitch (at Moses Mabhida), we are not teammates — we are soldiers for our respective countries. That is why you saw that fire from both sides.

Divine Lunga (DL): It really was a great game. For me, it was all about pride and representing Zimbabwe. Playing against my Sundowns teammates pushed me even more — I wanted those three points badly. But honestly, I am happy for them (Bafana Bafana). South Africa qualified for the FIFA World Cup and they deserve it. They have put in the work.
© Backpage PixDivine LungaAMM: Having met twice already this year, we meet again at AFCON in the group stage. Should fans expect another fierce encounter?
KM: It is going to be a tough battle, no doubt. Since it is the final group match, everyone will be desperate for points. Zimbabwe will not want their fate hanging on the final game and we know playing them is never easy. It will be tactical, tight and very physical.

DL: I agree with Khuliso. It is never personal, but there will be blood (laughs). People will talk again and say we do not like each other. But we are actually good friends — we just want to win. And when we meet, it is always physical. Trust me, that match will be a battle.
AMM: Both of you, how did it feel to be named in the AFCON squad again? Where were you when you found out?
KM: It is an incredible honour every time. This will be my second AFCON. Funny enough, I was asleep when the squad dropped — my mom woke me up with a congratulatory call. Representing my country always means everything to me.
Aubrey: Guys, Ask me too! (laughs) I was also at home. My grandmother called first to congratulate me. I went straight to social media to confirm. Wearing the national jersey will never be something I take for granted.

DL: Our squad has not been announced (at the time of doing the interview). I hope to be called up.
Khuliso and Aubrey – we know that you will be called up. You are one of the key members of the Warriors.
© Backpage PixKhuliso MudauAMM: Lunga, in 2019, you had that iconic battle with Mo Salah when Zimbabwe faced Egypt. Now we are meeting the Pharaohs again. Should the fans be expecting another showdown?
DL: This time I have got double stress — South Africa and Egypt (laughs). But look, my job is the main thing. And I am going to have to do it exceptionally well. That is all I can promise.
AMM: Finally, what do you want to achieve as a team in this year’s AFCON?
KM: We want to make our supporters proud. It is a massive tournament and their support — even from far away — means everything. We will fight for them.

DL: Our goal is to do better than last time. We want to push further and make our people proud. We hope to see some of them in Morocco, cheering us on.
Aubrey: You are right, we have to do better than the last AFCON
Bafana Ba Style will have seven representatives at AFCON. South Africa will have five players: Ronwen Williams (captain), Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Bathusi Aubaas, and Teboho Mokoena. They will also be joined by Zimbabwe’s Divine Lunga and Uganda’s Denis Onyango. In addition, Goalkeeper Coach Kennedy Mweene of Zambia will be flying the Club’s flag high in Morocco whilst Tinashe-Shingai Mukandatsama joins Bafana Bafana as a performance analyst.

The entire Mamelodi Sundowns family wishes the players and Technical Team members — and their Nations — strength, pride, and success.

AFCON awaits. The world will be watching..