Stars to benefit from Sundowns' star

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By Herrold Lamola  (@Lamola_eitcHDee)

Continental success is more than just a star above the team's logo. Premier Soccer League (PSL) will have more spots in CAF competitions should Mamelodi Sundowns win the African Champions League against Zamalek on Sunday evening in Alexandria.

Twenty years down the line, one can confidently say victory is certain.

With Mamelodi Sundowns now being just 90 minutes adrift continental success, Mosimane must be on cloud nine as he is taking a healthy 3-0 lead to Egypt for the second leg of a two legged final against Zamalek in Alexandria, on Sunday evening. 'It is not over yet' as many would say but Sundowns has to be at their worst to give away their lead.

Also read:http://ibsoccer.tv/psl-maintain-four-caf-spots/

Mosimane has always lambasted South Africans on how ignorant they can be when it comes to continental competitions. 

South Africans didn't disappoint though as they came out in their numbers to paint Lucas Moripe Stadium yellow. Moripe was packed to the raft as Sundowns claims a first leg victory over the White Knights. Bafana ba Style are carrying the hopes of South African football lovers as they seek to end a two decade barren of continental victory. South Africa has last tasted continental success in 1995 when Orlando Pirates won the African Champions League final against Asec Mimosas of Cote d'Ivore.

Should Mamelodi Sundowns maintain their lead in the Caf Champions League final, against Zamalek and emerge victorious, their success could mean more spots for South African teams in the continental competitions. A win for The Brazilians in the African Champions League should open up another spot for South Africa in next year’s competition. Platinum Stars could escalate to the more prestigious competition and join Sundowns and Bidvest Wits in the African Champions League.

South Africa will then have three spots in the African Champions League unlike their usual two in the past. Algeria has benefited from the 2014 success of Etente Setif and they boosted three spots in the following campaign. Contrary to that of Algeria, The Democratic Republic of Congo had two teams despite TP Mazembe Englebert being the defending champion.

If Sundowns conquer Africa and become the Kings of Africa, then Confederation of African Football will have to confirm whether Dikwena can be promoted to the Champions League. Should Dikwena elevates to the prestigious African Champions League then their spot will mean South Africa will enjoy having  three spots in the tournament for the first ever.

“I was thinking about this on Saturday while I was watching the match and wondering the same thing to myself‚” Stars general manager Senzo Mazingiza told TMG.

Mazingiza continued “Nothing has been said to us officially and we will have to await communication from SAFA. But I know of the past instances where there are three clubs from one country because they have the defending champions.”

Confederation of African Football has to confirm the spot in due time because time is not on their side. Clubs have to confirm entry for next editions of continental club competitions by mid-November which is three weeks after the Champions League final.

Seems like South African clubs are eager to take part in the continental club competitions. With the Champions League spot looming over Dikwena, the Phokeng based outfit appreciates being in the Confederations Cup competition despite wishing to be elevated to the bigger one.

“Look‚ either way‚ we are playing. We are already in the Confederation Cup and we are committed to competing in that competition.

"If we go up to the Champions League‚ that would be a great challenge‚” Mazingiza added.
Usually the top two finishers in the domestic league standings last season cement their spots in the Champions League. For 2017’s African Champions League edition this is Sundowns and Wits.

Third placed finishers (Platinum Stars) and the Nedbank Cup winners (SuperSport United) are eligible to compete in the Confederations Cup.

Should Stars be promoted to the Champions League‚ then last season’s fourth place side would presumably be able to compete in the Confederation Cup. That was Mpumalanga Black Aces (now Cape Town City).

“That’s an interesting idea. We’d be keen to look at that‚” said the new club’s owner John Comitis.
For the Premier Soccer League to grow, South African teams,  must take the Champions League more serious. Should Platinum Stars get a chance to take part in the Champions League a top eight finish must be regarded as under achieving.

Club CEO's must also preach a top four finish to their coaches. Every team must work hard to book a ticket to the continental club competitions.
Sundowns and Pirates have done it twice. On two occasions the South African clubs have lost with the latter winning it once.

We are well able.

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