Former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo has explained why he feels it is important for Betway Premiership clubs to consistently compete in CAF inter-club competitions.
Mamelodi Sundowns are the defending African champions after lifting the CAF Champions League title last season. They are joined in this tournament by Orlando Pirates, who reached the second preliminary round after staggering against minnows La Cure Waves SC from Mauritius.
The Soweto giants delivered an unconvincing performance and now face Namibian champions African Stars FC in the final hurdle before the group stage. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his men will be out to atone for last season when they failed to reach the group phase.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Kaizer Chiefs begin their campaign at the second preliminary round against Zambian side Red Arrows FC. After failing to progress past the group stage in this competition last season, Amakhosi are back to fight for honours.
Also in Africa’s second-tier competition are Durban City FC, who are making their debut appearance on the continent. A 3-1 aggregate victory over Rukinzo of Burundi earned them a second preliminary round date with Mauritian outfit AS Port Louis.
HLATSWAYO EXPLAINS WHY CAF COMPETITIONS MATTER FOR PSL CLUBS
Hlasthwayo was part of the Pirates side which reached the 2021/22 Confederation Cup final and lost on penalties to RS Berkane. The previous season, Chiefs had played in the Champions League final against Al Ahly.
In recent seasons, Marumo Gallants FC and Stellenbosch FC have been Confederation Cup semi-finalists while Sekhukhune United have competed in the group stage of the same competition.
“It’s really important for every team in South Africa to compete in Africa because that’s where you are going to get the experience from the clubs to the national team. We have seen all the youngsters who have emerged,” Hlatshwayo told FARPost.
“You look at Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and you see Ime Okon; I was with him at SuperSport United when we played in the Confederation Cup. He is a boy who really knows about the challenges in Africa. So I think it’s important for us to have more [clubs in CAF competitions].”
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