Zambian legend picks PSL side for Champions League glory

Following the quarterfinal draw of the CAF Champions League on Thursday, African football legend Rainford Kalaba has picked Mamelodi Sundowns as the favourites to win this year’s title.

The CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup quarterfinal draw took place on Thursday afternoon in Doha, Qatar.

Sundowns have been drawn against Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the two-legged clash. Esperance are the same side that eliminated Sundowns in the semifinals last season under coach Miguel Cardoso, who went on to guide the Tunisians to a silver medal. Cardoso now coaches Sundowns.

Fellow South African side Orlando Pirates have been drawn against MC Alger of Algeria. Pirates topped their group with 14 points and are looking to reach the semifinals for the first time since finishing as runners-up in 2013.

The winner of the match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance will face either Al Ahly or Al Hilal. The winner between MC Alger and Orlando Pirates will meet the winner of the Pyramids and AS FAR tie.

All quarterfinal matches will be played from 1 April and the return leg a week later on 8 April. The semifinals will follow a similar format, with the winners advancing to the prestigious final in June.

WHY RAINFORD KALABA IS PLEASED WITH ORLANDO PIRATES AND MASANDAWANA SO FAR

“Sundowns and Pirates, they are representing Southern Africa too much [well] in this championship. So I think if they put in more effort and work hard, I think they can go far,” said Kalaba.

“The other fixtures are also difficult. So I think the team that puts more effort will go far.

“I think Sundowns and Al Ahly [are favourites] because they have done a lot in this championship. They have been doing well. So I give Ahly more chances to lift this cup.”

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