BIDVEST Wits have confirmed they will enter next year's CAF Confederation Cup, ending the uncertainty over a full house of South Arican representation in continental competition in 2015.
Chief executive Jose Ferreira said the club will submit their paperwork by next week's deadline and that they were determined to use the opportunity to not only offer invaluable experience to their players but, at the same time, blood some youngsters. After discussion with coach Gavin Hunt, they had resolved that a mix of first-team regulars and promising up-and-coming youngsters would be given good exposure with the travel and exertion of the pan-African competition.
"It will be a very good experience for our youngsters and a great development platform. Obviously, we'll have our key guys but we reckon we can put together a nice blend," Ferreira said yesterday.
But he cautioned it would be tough going for the club in the last three months of the domestic season.
"From February onwards we will be playing midweek and weekends virtually all the way to the end of the season." It is the third time that Wits compete in the Confed Cup, having embarrassingly bombed out twice in the second round in 2004 and 2011.
Wits qualified for the Confederation Cup after a third placed finish in the Premier Soccer League last season. They are joined in the field by Nedbank Cup winners Orlando Pirates.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will participate in the Champions League. It is no secret Sundowns have huge ambitions and are well prepared for the rigours of the African campaign but Chiefs were lukewarm about participation until Kaizer Motaung said he would be entering his club.
Wits confirm CAF Confed Cup entry
BIDVEST Wits have confirmed they will enter next year's CAF Confederation Cup, ending the uncertainty over a full house of South Arican representation in continental competition in 2015.
Chief executive Jose Ferreira said the club will submit their paperwork by next week's deadline and that they were determined to use the opportunity to not only offer invaluable experience to their players but, at the same time, blood some youngsters. After discussion with coach Gavin Hunt, they had resolved that a mix of first-team regulars and promising up-and-coming youngsters would be given good exposure with the travel and exertion of the pan-African competition.
"It will be a very good experience for our youngsters and a great development platform. Obviously, we'll have our key guys but we reckon we can put together a nice blend," Ferreira said yesterday.
But he cautioned it would be tough going for the club in the last three months of the domestic season.
"From February onwards we will be playing midweek and weekends virtually all the way to the end of the season." It is the third time that Wits compete in the Confed Cup, having embarrassingly bombed out twice in the second round in 2004 and 2011.
Wits qualified for the Confederation Cup after a third placed finish in the Premier Soccer League last season. They are joined in the field by Nedbank Cup winners Orlando Pirates.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs will participate in the Champions League. It is no secret Sundowns have huge ambitions and are well prepared for the rigours of the African campaign but Chiefs were lukewarm about participation until Kaizer Motaung said he would be entering his club.
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