27th April, 2012
Black Leopards can improve on South Africa’s dismal record in the CAF Confederation Cup if they can beat Nigerian side Warri Wolves.
Lidoda Duvha face the daunting task of an away trip to Nigeria for the first leg of their encounter on Sunday, where they will carry the flag for their country having already out-performed expectations in this year’s competition.
Leopards have beaten Zimbabwean side Motor Action and DR Congo’s St Eloi Lupopo in the previous rounds, but those encounters will be far below the standard of Wolves.
The team’s attitude to this year’s competition has been refreshing though, with South African club’s traditional disdain for competing on the continent showing in their performances in the Confederation Cup.
The financial rewards are far outstripped by the financial burden this tournament carries and the South African psyche values only domestic success, rather than continental glory.
South African teams have no divine right to be successful in this competition, but the strength of the domestic league and the facilities that are available to teams should mean that they are.
Perhaps it is an attitude shift that needs to be made, and so that is why it is gratifying to see how Leopards have approached this year’s competition.
Beating Warri wolves will be a tall order and there will be no disgrace in defeat.