Chris Katongo backs PSL sides to break North African stronghold

Katongo shared his views at the Champions League and Confederation Cup draw in Johannesburg, where Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns learnt their respective fates in the group stage.  

The 43-year-old former Jomo Cosmos and Bidvest Wits striker, who assisted former Cameroon and Arsenal midfielder Alex Song in the draw, says the SA sides have the depth and quality to challenge for continental honours. 

"I think South Africa has an upper hand, I think they have been improving since they have been participating in the Confederation Cup and Champions League," said Katongo.

"I think it's even [helped] South Africa to qualify for the World Cup because their players have more exposure to international games, and taking that to the national team is easy.

"So for Zambia it's not going to be easy, it's been a long time since they've participated in this competition, but you know football can go any way.

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"You see some of the African teams' first time qualifying for the World Cup, and it can happen, but nevertheless this competition needs experience. 

"Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns, Stellenbosch, we know they have continuously participated in these competitions, and that means they have a little bit of experience."

Chiefs and Stellies face North African heavyweights in the Confed Cup, while Sundowns’ Champions League path includes MC Alger and Al Hilal, yet Katongo remains confident in the PSL sides’ strength. 

"When I look at South Africa and their improvement every year, I think it's going to be fair for them to compete with any team that's coming [in the competition]," he added.

"Because, if you look at Sundowns, they have been there most in this competition; look at Chiefs and Stellenbosch – if you see Pirates and Sundowns produce most of the players for the national team, if I'm not mistaken, so it means there's continuous improvement.

"So I think it's fair [to expect] South African clubs are likely to go into the next round."

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