Motsepe: Chiefs’ Return To CAF Competition Is “Good For Football”
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has stated that Kaizer Chiefs’ potential participation in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup would be beneficial for football.
Growing up in South Africa, Motsepe understands the significant influence of Kaizer Chiefs, the most supported club in the nation despite their lack of cup competition success for over a decade.
“It is good to see Kaizer Chiefs back in CAF club competition next season,” Motsepe remarked during the announcement of CAF’s sponsorship renewal with AGL on Wednesday, a partner for the next three CAF tournaments: the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, and the men’s AFCON in 2026 and 2027.
Chiefs are on the verge of returning to CAF club competition next season, contingent on Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns finishing in the top two positions of the Betway Premiership.
This possibility arises from Chiefs reaching the Nedbank Cup final after eliminating Sundowns in the semi-final. They are scheduled to face Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May.
Chiefs last participated in CAF club competition in 2021, when they reached the Champions League final but lost to Al Ahly.
Having reached the Nedbank Cup final, Chiefs will qualify for the Confederation Cup even if they lose the final, provided that Pirates and Sundowns finish in the top two of the league and thus compete in the CAF Champions League next season.
Additionally, Sundowns and Pirates are currently in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, with the finalists set to be determined on Friday.
