BB CAF deal done, first game in the Comoros on Feb 13
Ambitious Big Bullets got their ultimate wish after being drawn on Monday against Fomboni Club de Moheil of Comoros Island in the 2015 CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg match away on the weekend of February 13.
Just like Bullets, who are basking in the 2014 TNM Super League championship glory, Fomboni are also 2014 league champions in their country located off the East Africa coast. Bullets will start away in Comoros followed by the second leg on February 27 2014.
The draw for the 51st edition of the continental premier league took place at 11am yesterday at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Details about the other teams were yet to emerge as we went to press.
However, Bullets chairperson Kondie Msungama was on Monday in bullish mood upon learning about the outcome.
There is preliminary round, first, second and then group stage which will pave the way for knockout stage then semi-final and final.
“We did not prescribe teams we wanted to meet, so we welcome this draw. This team from Comoros can be an easy opponent or tough depending on our approach. The unknown teams are very unpredictable. But any way, we are ready. Bring them on. We are not in Champions League to make numbers. Between now and February, we have time to prepare,” said Msungama.
Veteran winger Fischer Kondowe, who is among surviving players from the squad that last played in Champions League in 2004, said there was need for Bullets not to go on break, lest they compromise playing rhythm.
“I have played Comoros at national team level. They are very tricky teams as their football is developing. Personally, I want to help Bullets make a name in Africa by reaching the semi-final. Mark my words, it is possible,” Kondowe said yesterday.
The continental premier league champions receive $1.5 million prize. Most Bullets players from the squad of 2004, such as Kondowe who signed for Umtata Bush Bucks, sold out to clubs in Zimbabwe and South Africa, thereby creating depth for the Flames.
The CAF league winner will qualify for the 2015 Fifa Club World Cup which is competed for by champion clubs from all six continental confederations. Additionally, Africa champions earn the right to play in the 2016 CAF Super Cup which draws Champions League kings and CAF Confederation Cup winners.
Es Sétif from Algeria are the defending league champions after defeating AS Vita Club of Congo in the 2014 final.The top club sides from Africa’s football leagues are invited to participate in this competition.
