Mamelodi Sundowns have been drawn against Al Ahly, in what would be a return for Pitso Mosimane, while Kaizer Chiefs will face Tanzanian giants Simba in the quarter-finals.
The draws for the CAF Champions League and Confederations cup were conducted in Cairo on Friday throwing up interesting ties. It’s not so often that one sees a rivalry develop between familiar faces, but that is what has played out in the draws.
One of the fixtures will see one of South Africa’s illustrious sons return home in a bid to haunt his former employers. Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has seen his side Al Ahly pitted against his former side.
In a move that was believed to be an upgrade, Pitso left Sundowns before the kickoff of the current season to join Al Ahly where he has had a very good run so far. Now, he has been handed the opportunity of bringing an end to Sundowns campaign on the continent this season.
The stage may have been set following Mosimane’s comments that many may have found unpleasant. He had claimed recently that no one would want to play Al Ahly in the quarter-final. That statement drew a sharp retort from Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena, who claimed that it was the former Bafana Bafana coach who would not want to face the Brazilians.
Ahly finished second in group A behind Tanzanian giants Simba, while Sundowns topped group B after showing fine form throughout the campaign. Now, that’s another Champions League clash to look forward to.
Meanwhile, the other South African side, Kaizer Chiefs, are gearing up for the quarter-finals as their opponents have also been revealed. Their date with destiny comes in the shape of Simba FC of Tanzania.
Amakhosi who have had a torrid domestic season will be out to remedy that by going all the way to the final of the CAF Champions League.
Under Gavin Hunt, they are outside the top eight and are way off the title chase in the DSTV Premiership.
The two-legged tie will see Chiefs play the first leg at home before traveling to Tanzania for the return leg.
Chiefs made history by first reaching the group stages of the competition for the first time and then topped that feat with qualification to the quarterfinals.
Below are the scheduled quarterfinal matches scheduled for the first leg between May 14 and 15 and the second leg matches scheduled for 21-22 May.