While the idea of an African Super League has drawn mixed feelings across the continent, Simba SC CEO Barbara Gonzalez is excited that the tournament will give African football a new trajectory in terms of exposure and reaping financial rewards.
Gonzalez opined that the CAF Champions League and the Confederations Cup are loss-making tournaments for participating clubs and that the African Super League will turn a corner for them.
On Wednesday, CAF launched the tournament, which is slated to kick off in August 2023 and end in May 2024, with a hefty $100 million (R 1.65 billion) in prize money set aside.
The winning team will pocket $11.6 (R 190 million). It is this level of investment that has got Gonzalez buzzing about the African Super League.
“It’s a fantastic initiative. As a football club, we are excited that this will transform the face of African football in terms of exposure and in terms of broadcasting all over the world.
“Someone in Rio de Janeiro and someone in Birmingham will be able to watch our very own African players.
“But on top of that, it’s the money investment that makes UEFA Champions League and Europa League competitive and interesting. People are invested in those leagues, so we are excited by the Super League,” Gonzalez told FARPost.
According to the plan, 24 clubs from 16 different countries will participate in the maiden edition, with a total of 197 matches set to be played.
Gonzalez further upraised the level of investment in the African Super League, saying it makes the tournament a worthwhile endeavour.
“It’s possible because of the investment. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the investment. In Europe, the investment that takes place in the champions league and Europa cup is high, whereas here, the CAF champions league and confederations cup is a loss-making endeavour.
“However, now that we are going into the Super League, the appetite from all stakeholders, whether it’s federations or clubs, is high because we know we will be able to recover our money and more. All of this is performance-based,” Gonzalez added.
