CAF campaign depletes Orapa's coffers
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday October 22, 2024 09:45
The Ostriches created history when they became the first local side to reach the group stages of the Confederations Cup after outlasting Zimbabwe's Dynamos in the second round last month. In the first round, Orapa travelled to Mauritius to face Foresters before hosting the Islanders at the National Stadium in the second leg. The success has, however, come at a cost as Orapa spokesperson, Emmanual Seiphetho, told MmegiSport that the club faces financial challenges. 'We are in a financial dire situation. As we speak, we are trying to make partnerships with companies to bolster our finances,' Seiphetho said. 'The Mauritius trip got deep in our pockets. As a tourist destination, almost everything is expensive on that side,' he said.
Orapa is reliant on diamond producer, Debswana, for support but the diamond market has been facing a downturn. The club is waiting for funds from CAF, as the Ostriches are assured of $400, 000 (around P5.2 million) if they finish fourth, the bottom position in their group. The figure could ascend to P9 million with Seiphetho indicating it will be around $770, 000, including the amount for reaching the group stages. However, Seiphetho said they only expect the CAF funds in January, but in the meantime, the team has CAF fixtures to fulfil. Orapa has been drawn against two West African sides, ASEC Mimosa of Cote d'Ivoire and Jaraaf from Senegal as well as North African team, USM Alger from Algeria. The fixtures would result in a lot of travel for Orapa, which will further eat into the club's depleted coffers. Meanwhile, Seiphetho said their target is to reach the quarterfinals at the first time of asking. 'We intend to do our level best to compete. A quarter-final will be a realistic target looking at the opponents we are pitted against in the group. All those teams are perennial semi-finalists in this competition,' he said.
'We have a relatively young, inexperienced squad but the boys are eager to attain greater heights. Most, even though they are new in our team, play for national teams and we will rely on that experience,' he added. Orapa kick-off their campaign away to USM Alger on November 28, before welcoming ASEC Mimosa at home on December 8. The following weekend, Jaraaf will be the visitors before Orapa flies to Senegal for the return fixture on January 5. On Match Day 5, Orapa will welcome USMA Algiers on January 12 before winding down their campaign with an away tie against ASEC Mimosa on January 19.