CAFCL: How clash of venue led to Simba SC double-header

Gaborone United FC have explained how a clash of a venue prompted them to settle for a CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup double-header involving Simba SC in Botswana on Saturday.

Botswana’s United and Namibia’s Young Africa FC will host their respective Champions League and Confederation Cup matches against Simba SC and Royal Leopards respectively at the same Obed Itani Stadium in Francistown.

In an interview with Pan-Africa Football, United spokesperson Tumo Mpatane said they opted for the double-header after a clash of games, including the one involving Simba.

“The Namibian team [Young Africa] requested to use the Obed Itani Stadium on a date we had also booked the stadium on,” Mpatane said.

“However, because they don’t have a stadium, we did not have a problem. CAF also approved the matches at the same venue. We embraced it and will give our fans and Batswana an opportunity to experience inter-club football closely and enjoy top-end African football.”

African will open the floor against Leopards

In view of the agreement, African will open the floor by hosting Eswatini’s Leopards in the Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg game on Saturday. The return leg will be played a week later at the Mbabane Stadium on September 26.

Later on the same day, United will face Simba SC of Tanzania in a Champions League preliminary round first leg match at the same venue. The return leg will take place a week later at the Mbabane Stadium.

Ahead of such an assignment, the Gobabis-based side have recruited South African defender Mlungisi J. Mkhwanazi from second-tier league side Casric Stars and his compatriot Lethabo M. Raphalo, formerly of Luthuli Brighates FC.

African have also signed Namibians Vaitavera Tjatindi (goalkeeper, formerly of African Stars), Motswana midfielder Viera U. Kazongominja from Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC and defender Okeri Maekopo from Ongos FC.

The Namibian cup holders have also signed on loan from Ongos midfielder Simon Elago, striker Nicodemus K. Haikali, midfielder Wangu B. Gome, while midfielder Tuzerehi H. Katipuja and defender Arthur Hindjou have come from Okahandja United FC.