Recently re-elected CAF president Patrice Motsepe has expressed his views on Kaizer Chiefs’ return to the CAF inter-club competition.
Chiefs recently booked their spot in the CAF Confederation Cup by virtue of qualifying for the final of the Nedbank Cup, where they will take on Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 10 May in Durban.
Amakhosi beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 a fortnight ago in the semi-final to set up a clash with crosstown rivals Pirates. With the Buccaneers poised to finish in the top two in the Betway Premiership, they are likely to take up one of the two slots in the CAF Champions League.
The Soweto giants will then represent South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup. It is Chiefs’ first foray into continental competition since their remarkable journey to the 2020/21 CAF Champions League final. That season also saw them advance past the group stage of the competition for the first time, before losing the final 3-1 to Al Ahly, coached by Pitso Mosimane.
WHAT DID PATRICE MOTSEPE SAY ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS?
Motsepe was speaking at the signing ceremony for the renewal of the partnership between CAF and Africa Global Logistics in Sandton on Wednesday.
CAF president Motsepe expressed how happy he is to see Chiefs return to the CAF Confederation Cup.
“I’m happy Kaizer Chiefs are back in the CAF Confederation Cup. You can’t have South African football without a successful Kaizer Chiefs,” said Motsepe.
“Let me say, without a successful Golden Arrows, AmaZulu FC and all the others so that they feel I have a duty to recognise all of them. But I’m so proud of the work the Motaung family has done.”
Meanwhile, AGL CEO Philippe Labonne added that he was proud to announce the renewal of the partnership which will see them remain as the logistics partner of the Men’s AFCON 2025 and the Women’s AFCON.
“Today, we are proud to extend our relationship and to strengthen it. This is a long-term commitment, a family commitment and this commitment is anchored in a shared vision with CAF. We really believe that football is more than a game,” he said. “It’s an exciting and symbolic moment for Africa Global Logistics.”
In addition Motsepe stated that the ongoing collaboration with AGL, a subsidiary of the MSC Group owned by the Aponte family, will enable the federation to persist in its efforts across the continent.
“It’s a great honour for CAF to be with the Aponte family,” declared the CAF president.
CAF have also recently announced a partnership with Royal Air Maroc, which will serve as the Official Global Partner for two of Africa’s largest upcoming football tournaments: the AFCON in Morocco 2025 and the WAFCON.
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