Time to conquer Africa

Matshelane Mamabolo says we continuously say ours is the best league in Africa, it’s time we showed it in the Champions League.

For the first time in a long while, there is a good chance South Africa could have two teams in the group stages of the Caf Champions League.

Absa Premiership reigning champions Kaizer Chiefs and current pace-setters Mamelodi Sundowns begin their campaign in the continent’s premier club competition this weekend.

And the draw en route to the group stages appears much kinder than it was last year when the two sides were knocked out before the mini-league phase.

Amakhosi are away in the Comoros on Sunday for a preliminary clash with Volcan Club de Moroni, while the Brazilians make the short trip to Bulawayo to take on Chicken Inn on Saturday.

With due respect to the opposition, Steve Komphela and Pitso Mosimane should have little problem guiding their teams through these ties.

Granted, South African clubs’ attitude towards continental competition often stinks, as indicated by Ajax Cape Town’s statement last week that they were pulling out of the Confederation Cup.

But the impression one has from both these giants is they have their hearts set on conquering the continent.

That being the case, their quality is such they should overcome their preliminary round opposition and get into the next stage, where Chiefs will face either of Asec Mimosas or Cotontchad.

Asec are a shadow of their former great selves and on a good day Amakhosi have what it takes to overcome the 1995 finalists.

Get over that hurdle and a tie with Sudanese outfit Al Hilal lies in wait for Komphela’s men.

Victories against these three outfits and Amakhosi are into the group stages - not that very hard should Chiefs set their minds on it and give it their best effort.

When it comes to Sundowns, on the other hand, there can never be any doubt that the Brazilians will play their hearts out. Mosimane’s passion for continental football is common knowledge and after a tough draw that saw him having to come up against TP Mazembe in the round of 16 (which they lost) last year, he has a fairly easier one this time.

After Chicken Inn, there is AC Leopards of Congo-Brazzaville - another team that Pirates have previously played against. And then Mosimane will face off against yet another DR Congo side - this time Vita Club, one-time conquerors of Amakhosi.

We continuously say ours is the best league in Africa, it’s about time we showed it in the Champions League. - The Star