Four South African clubs aim to break North African dominance in CAF competitions

South African football has an opportunity this weekend to make a strong statement on continental stage, with four clubs chasing places in the CAF competitions’ group stages.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are bidding to advance in the Champions League, while Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City are seeking progress in the Confederation (Confed) Cup. Success by all four would boost the league’s quest to be a force to be reckoned with.

For much of the past 15 years, North African clubs have dominated CAF competitions, more so after the decline of West African influence. Sundowns, however, have increasingly challenged that dominance, winning the Champions League twice in the past decade, including last season.

On Friday evening, the Brazilians face a potentially tougher assignment against Angola’s Wiliete after a goalless draw in Lubango. But playing at Loftus Versfeld, their Pretoria stronghold, allows them to finish the job and move closer to defending their continental crown.

Pirates carry a 1-0 advantage into Friday evening’s second leg against Namibia’s African Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena Stadium. Chiefs, meanwhile, face the tougher task of overturning a 1-0 deficit against Zambia’s Red Arrows in the Confed Cup.

Their decision to host the return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, rather than their usual home at FNB Stadium, reflects the club’s faith in the support they enjoy in the city. The atmosphere generated by their passionate supporters could provide the lift Amakhosi need, although the players must ultimately deliver on the pitch.

Durban City, meanwhile, travel to Mauritius with a commanding 3-1 advantage over AS Port-Louis.

Our teams’ strong performances in African competitions not only enhance the PSL’s reputation but also lift our mood as a people.

Sport has always offered South Africans a powerful source of shared identity and national pride since the dawn of democracy. Whether through rugby, cricket or football, the success of our teams on the international stage has the capacity to unite people across the divisions that too often define our society.

The Proteas’ victory over performance against Australia in the second Test this week provided another reminder of how much these achievements mean to the nation.

Successful campaigns by the PSL four this weekend would extend that feeling. It is an ambitious target, but one within reach. SA football needs its clubs to seize this opportunity, not only for their own ambitions but also for the pride and confidence their progress brings to many people across the country.