Has participation of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League become more of an inconvenience for their exploits locally?
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup this weekend. Both sets of supporters consoled themselves by saying “at least we are still in the CAF Champions League and are favourites to win the league”.
Yes, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are well-positioned in their Champions League groups and are in the race for the Absa Premiership.
But…
It’s unlikely both teams will split the two titles, one team might win one, or both might lose out on all.
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Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are out of three winnable cup competitions all in the name of the Champions League. Focusing on the continental competition has hurt the two giants, here’s how:
The Constant Rotation of Squads
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane played his second team (which is better than most club’s first teams… but still) in the last-32 of the Nedbank Cup against Chippa United. Was it arrogance? Or maybe he was resting his players for Tuesday’s game against Amazulu and Friday’s game away from home in Abidjan against Asec Mimosas. Anyway, they lost.
After playing their B team and drawing 1-1 in the league against Baroka FC last week Tuesday, Orlando Pirates revered back to their regular first IX against Black Leopards over the weekend. They lost too.
The constant chopping and changing of squads makes it difficult for a team to form chemistry. But it’s a necessity. Games in the PSL come thick and fast. Downs and Pirates play a minimum of two matches every week. Travelling across the border after every five days takes it’s toll on players no matter how big the squad is.
Behind in Games Played
Sundowns are three games behind the rest of league. This is due to games in the CAF Champions League clogging up their schedule. The continental tournament season begins at the beginning and concludes at the end of the year. This coincides with most leagues in Africa. The Absa Premiership starts in August and ends in May.
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Away Games Drama
After Sundowns won their game against Wydad Casablanca Pitso Mosimane went on a mini-rant:
“It is the first time I saw a referee and an assistant moving out of the pitch to look for balls.
“This happens every week but I have never seen referees going to look for balls‚ but the bench put pressure on them.
“That’s why the North Africans dominate this space. We don’t know how to play with them but we are getting there.
“In the tunnel in Esperance‚ officials came to me directly when we were playing against the Libyans and they created a little bit of problems.
“But we shrugged it off because we have been in this thing for five years.”
“Gone are the days where Sundowns are cheese boys‚ not when I am still here…”
It’s true, playing away from home in the CAF Champions League for South African teams could sometimes be a nightmare. Bad refereeing calls, crappy hospitality, partisan crowds, etc. are amongst the reasons most South African teams “cheese boys” don’t have the stomach for competing at the highest level in African football. Playing in environments like these is physically and mentally draining.
Privilege or hassle?
Playing in Africa seems to be more trouble than it’s worth. Downs and Pirates are definitely feeling the effects of the long travels and the tight schedules. Next season the champions league is said to be played between August and May, matching with the European and South African league structure. Till then Sundowns and Pirates may lose ground in the title race and get eliminated in the champions league knockout rounds anyway.