Sekhukhune United has been handed a smooth passage into their maiden CAF Confederation Cup game after their first preliminary round opponents reportedly withdrew.
The Brandon Truter-coached side was drawn against Eswatini outfit Young Buffaloes in the two-legged preliminary round.
CAF is yet to officially confirm Buffaloe’s withdrawal, but the Times of Eswatini revealed the club’s ordeal.
WHY BUFFALOES FC IS WITHDRAWING?
Young Buffaloes are citing financial challenges as their reason for withdrawal from the highly rated competition.
Undoubtedly this development is music to Sekhukhune’s ears as they aim to make a mark in their first appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“The team has withdrawn from competing in the tournament after realising that it would cost them a leg and an arm,” a source quoted by the Times of Eswatini.
“All the players were told about the unfortunate news after their training session, and they were all disappointed.
“The club was planning to host Sekhukhune at Zimpeto stadium, which cost around E80 000 [R 80 000], with Mbombela stadium costing E200 000 [R 200 000] to play there.
“Furthermore, there was also the challenge of going to Mozambique for three days. This was going to cost the club a lot of money.
“Accommodating 22 players plus the technical team was a huge strain. The team was also going to stay in a hotel which cost E 140 000 [R 140 000] for three days which was just beyond control of the team.”
Sekhukhune United are slated to host Young Buffaloes from 18 to 20 August. The reverse fixtures are pencilled to take place from 25 to 27 August.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR SEKHUKHUNE IN THE CAF CONFED CUP
With Young Buffaloes pulling out, Sekhukhune now awaits for the second preliminary round.
In this one, they will face FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo from the Democratic Republic of Congo in September.
This is the first time Sekhukhune represent South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup. The PSL side had an inspiring 2022/23 campaign.
Babina Noko qualified for the second tier of African football by virtue of reaching the last hurdle in the Nedback Cup.
Winners, Orlando Pirates had already qualified for the CAF Champions League after finishing in second position in the DStv Premiership.
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