SA teams to play in CAF events
SA teams to play in CAF events
Posted: 2009-12-02 11:52
After making public their frustrations of playing in CAF inter-club soccer competitions, South African clubs have finally agreed to feature in next year’s edition.
East London’s Daily Dispatch reports that reigning Absa Premiership champions SuperSport United, and Orlando Pirates have confirmed their participation in next year’s CAF Champions while Moroka Swallows will play in the Confederation Cup.
The three sides entered the CAF inter-clubs’ competition after a meeting with the SA Football Association (Safa) last week where they stated their case.
Deadline for registration for the CAF competitions was on Monday.
SuperSport qualified for the Champions League by virtue of being league champions and Pirates made it after finishing second last season.
On the other hand, Swallows’ Nedbank Cup triumph ensured their qualification for the Confederations Cup.
“I can confirm that we have once again entered the CAF Champions League as we believe it will help strengthen our players’ mentally and physically.
“It’s going to be tough, but we will give it our best shot. We know what’s expected from us and we plan to do well this time around for the good of the club and the country,” SuperSport spokesperson, David Skosana said.
SuperSport, who have won back-to- back League championships in the last two seasons, fared badly in this year’s edition of the Champions League as they bombed out in the early stages of the competition.
Swallows’ boss, Leon Prins, told the Dispatch that it was very important for his club to play in the Confederations Cup despite the financial implications.
“Featuring in this competition is a costly exercise, but we believe it’s worth it if you consider the experience which our players will gain in participating in these matches. The main reason why we entered the competitions is to ensure that our club gets some exposure,” said Prins.
South African clubs normally cite awkward travelling arrangements as impediments in their quest for African glory.
Clubs have to go via overseas countries when they go to play in some of the African countries because of lack of direct flights to the venues.
Pirates remain the only South African side to have won the Champions League.
The Buccaneers achieved this feat when they beat Ivorian club, Asec Mimosas in Abidjan 14 years ago.
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