Chiefs to boycott tournery

An insider close to the AmaKhosi management has informed Goal that there has been discussions behind closed doors as to whether Chiefs should participate in the next edition of the Caf Champions League if they ended up winning the PSL title.

AmaKhosi are believed to be against the idea of participating in the African competitions after they were banned from participating in Caf competition by Caf until 2009, following their withdrawal from the 2005 Caf Confederation Cup.

“We have been weighing up our options, because it is important to plan well ahead. Don’t be surprised though if Chiefs boycott the Caf Champions League. We have been looking at different situations that could hinder our chances of participating,” revealed our source.

It is believed that one of the main reasons for Chiefs to want to boycott the competition is the ultimate prize given to the winners of the competition (US$1 500 000 which is approximately less than R14 million).

“There are six matches to play before the actual group stages and travelling to these countries is expensive. You will find that the team spend over half of the prize money even before reaching the group stages,” said our source.

Chiefs also fear for their safety when playing outside the country and our source revealed that they are not willing to take the risk as yet.

“The treatment is also not up to scratch and our players are not ready to play under hostile conditions. I know that South African teams have been criticised for not taking Caf competitions serious, but truth is that our players don’t need to be treated bad to be considered the best,” explained our source.

Kaizer Chiefs need a win in their remaining two games to secure the league title and they have just reached the Nedbank Cup final. It remains to be seen whether Chiefs will consider changing their minds about African competitions and decide to participate.

AmaKhosi last won the African competition back in 2001 when they claimed the African Cup Winners Cup while still coached by Muhsin Ertugral.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa has described his heroics of Sunday afternoon as “Amazing”.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper produced a man-of-the-match performance against African Champions League giants TP Mazembe.

Meyiwa, who was bombarded throughout the encounter against the Ravens, was called on as early as the 22nd minute to thwart a well taken goal bound free kick.

Later in the match, the 25-year old pulled off – not one, but two penalties. One early in the second half and the other with less than seven minutes on the clock and the home side leading 1-0 needing a goal to send them through to the Group Stages. — Goal.