Times Of Swaziland: ‘BIRDS’, ‘BUFFS’ CAF OPPORTUNITIES ‘BIRDS’, ‘BUFFS’ CAF OPPORTUNITIES ================================================================================ BHEKISISA MAGONGO on 14/01/2018 20:02:00 As the country’s two Africa Cup club competitions envoys, Mbabane Swallows and Young Buffaloes sharpen their swords for the campaign, the nation’s expectation for a better performance cannot be denied. We have tasted the goodness of triumphing in Africa, from Mbabane Swallows’ last year’s heroic showing in the CAF Confederation Cup. And the expectation this year is at least for both teams to reach the group stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, respectively. Don’t tell me it can’t happen. Swallows have created a new version of themselves and we believe the army have, by watching their Premier League competitors floor giants like AC Leopard, Azam and Platinum Stars, got the motivation to believe they can do it too. Playing in Africa, we wish to state from the onset, is not for the faint-hearted. It is a stage for the big dreamers, the risk takers and the fearless characters. It should not be a recreational sojourn, but a platform to showcase and hoist high the country’s flag through football. Teams playing in either the CAF Champions League or CAF Confederation Cup should know by now that they are there to tell the continent and the world, how far Swazi football has grown or retrogressed. The tournaments present themselves as marketing platforms for both the individual clubs and the players involved. That is why it is expected of every ambitious team and player to want to compete in these competitions at all costs. Footballers who harbour a dream of turning into full-time professionals should die to play in continental tournaments.