Eymael hints at rift over CAF
Confed Cup may take a back seat as Stars struggle
Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael has expressed his frustrations with his club’s board as the Belgian expects to be instructed to use fringe players in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Ea Lla Koto qualified for the African competition for the first time after winning the Nedbank Cup in May.
The R7m cup win was the first time since 1994 that Stars clinched silverware. But with results in the PSL not going their way, with 13 points from 13 games, Eymael anticipates that he will be instructed to put the CAF tourney on the back burner.
“I would like to play the CAF at 100% but I know that with these kind of results it will not be the case,” the outspoken Eymael lamented.
“I know the board will tell me to not take CAF seriously because they are worried about the league. It’s sad to fight for a full year for the club to be in the top six and bring the first cup in 24 years and bring the Confederation Cup and not take it seriously.
“But I can understand my board. If they ask me that I have to respect that because they don’t want to be in a position other clubs have found themselves where they struggle in the league because of CAF competition.”
The Free State side suffered a 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the week, and now have six losses, four draws and three wins in the league.
The 59-year-old says only divine intervention against SuperSport United at Goble Park tomorrow (8.15pm) and Orlando Pirates thereafter can take them out of the quagmire.
“With 13 points, I don’t know. Maybe if we have a miracle and beat SuperSport and Orlando Pirates and move to 19 points then maybe they will give me the authorisation. But if not I know they will say to me, ‘focus on the league’.”
I know the board will tell me to not take CAF seriously because they are worried...