African champions Mamelodi Sundowns have not had a proper off-season since the 2015. The Brazilians won their first continental club title in 2016 and are still in the hunt to defend their title.
The CAF champions league calendar runs from February to November while the South African league follows the August to May schedule.
This means that for two consecutive seasons Pitso Mosimane’s team have been playing through their rest period.
But now there is a recommendation to have all leagues in Africa harmonize their calendars to the August-May window.
“It’s something good because we cannot be in the same continent but living in different time zones so It’s important for CAF to ensure everyone plays in one calendar for the benefit of sponsors and viewers as well it will add value for future,” says Djamil Faye, football consultant.
The proposal will mean that the new season could see two seasons run concurrently or have the next season begin in August next year once the current one ends in November
The scheduling changes for the leagues will then allow CAF implement its proposed shift to June from January for the cup of nations.
To boost marketing a working group also suggested the introduction of foreign teams at the cup of nations.
“What we are doing is thinking outside the box if we invited say China to AFCON they would come with a lot of marketing power,” said Mark Gleeson, football journalist.
Cost of travel across the continent can also be prohibitive for many clubs with some even choosing to suffer the consequences that come with pulling out competitions.
Suggestions were also given on how to ease this financial burden for clubs.
“Some sort of participation fee can be given to all 32 clubs like an indemnity to help them cover logistical costs of travelling we will also look at geographical setting in doing draws to reduce travel distance,” said Amr Fahmy, rapporteur, Interclub Competitions.
CAF’s executive committee is meeting on Thursday to further deliberate on these recommendations. Those that need a change in statutes will then be passed on to the members in Friday’s extra-ordinary general assembly.
