Rays of hope for Blue Eagles, Nyasa Big Bullets
Champions League, Confederation could start in October
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has released probable schedule of the 2020/ 2021 Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup expecting to kick-off in October if the Covid-19 pandemic is contained.
Two TNM Super League teams, champions Nyasa Big Bullets and Fisd Challenge Cup kings Blue Eagles have expressed interest to participate in the Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively.
In a statement released this week, Caf has also disclosed plans to open registration for the tournament from September 1 to 20 with the second registration period from September 21 to 31.
Caf has come up with four scenarios which include cancellation of addition 2nd Preliminary round of Confederation Cup, quarterfinals of the interclubs’ competitions, play the semifinals and final in the same host country and play the finals during the Euros.
“Due to the current situation that has affected the 2019/ 2010 season, it is obviously impossible to start the 2020/ 2021 season as usual in August. As a result, the following scenarios were formulated in order to enable Caf to finish the competition in May 2021.
“It will enable us to finish in May before the start of the Fifa International window (May 31- June 8). However, it will most likely weaken the Confederation Cup as whole since it depends on defeated teams of the CL to elevate its sporting level. It will enable us finish the season before the start of the above mentioned international window,” reads part of the statement.
The continental governing body has also outlined engagement rules of the competitions depending on the situations.
Bullets are looking for a third straight appearance having been booted out of the competition in the preliminary stage for the past two editions. The club’s chief administration officer, Albert Chigoga said they will wait for Football Association of Malawi (Fam) on the matter.
“I am sure that Caf has weighed several options to arrive at the probable schedule. However, we will wait Fam’s communication on what steps to be taken when time comes,” Chigoga said.
Last year, Bullets lost 2-1 to FC Platinum of Zimbabwe in the preliminary round whereas Masters Security exited after a 3-0 aggregate loss to Proline FC of Uganda at the same stage.
Eagles chairperson Alexander Ngwala said they were still optimistic that they will participate in the competition
“We already got an assurance from management and we hope they will fund us,” Ngwala said.
The Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup were postponed due to the outbreak of the pandemic but Caf is working on concluding the competitions. Caf has proposed the first legs of the semifinals to be played in July end or the first week of August with the second leg slated for the other week so that the finals of Champions League be played on August 28 whereas Confederation Cup on August 23.
Another option for Caf would be to play the first leg in early September with the second leg the week later. The finals have been scheduled for September 23 for Confederation Cup whereas Champions League on September 25.
