CAF boosts African clubs with $50,000 cash injection for preliminary stages; Dynamos and Ngezi set to benefit

ZIMSPHERE

THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a groundbreaking initiative, providing African football clubs with US$50,000 each in the preliminary stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

Image: CAF Online

This move aligns with President Patrice Motsepe's vision to strengthen and incentivise club participation in continental competitions.

Zimbabwean clubs Dynamos FC and Ngezi Platinum Stars stand among the beneficiaries of this financial windfall.

The first preliminary round kicks off with first-leg matches slated for August 16-18, followed by return legs from August 23-25, 2024.

The second preliminary round, with coveted group stage slots at stake, will take place in September.

Ngezi Platinum will compete in the Champions League against Maniema Union of DRC, while Dynamos will face Zambia's ZESCO United in the Confederation Cup, both matches occurring on Saturday.

"In line with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s promise to improve club Competitions and provide more financial assistance to Clubs, the Clubs participating in the Preliminary Stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will receive USD 50,000 each," CAF stated in a media release.

"This is the first time CAF offers financial assistance to Clubs at this stage of the Competition. Previously, Clubs needed to reach the Group Stages to be eligible to share the overall prize money," CAF added.

"The significant step by CAF addresses the long-standing concerns from Clubs on the travelling and logistical costs associated escalating playing in club continental football."

Below is the prize money breakdown for CAF's competitions:

TotalEnergies CAF Champions League