Orlando Pirates have undoubtedly had a great season after winning a double and securing a spot in the Confederations of African Football Champions League. The Soweto giants finished second on the log, and they are expected to feature in the upcoming CAF CL competition.
However, the Buccaneers might end up missing the opportunity because of the latest CAF regulations, despite their heroic success in their previous season. According to reports, CAF has informed all the Member Associations that all the club’s that will play in the 2023/24 CAF CL and Confederation Cup need to have a women’s football team. If failing to do so, they can’t get the license to take part in this competition.
The communiqué issued by CAF highlighted 13 conditions that all the Member Association clubs must comply with, before getting their license to play in the 2023/24 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. The 12th and 13th conditions are stressing on the issue of teams having women football teams.
12. “Letter from member association confirming the existence of the club’s women’s first team and that the team is registered in official competitions played at national, regional or local level recognized by the member association.”
13. “If applicable, written agreement between the license applicant (club) with another entity who operates the Women’s first team.”
This might mean that, no women’s team, no CAF Champion League and Confederation Cup participation next season. This means that Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United must get their house in order if they want to partake in the upcoming CAF CL and CAF CC.
Although teams might opt to request for adjustments, the deadline set by CAF for the club licensing is the 30th of June.
