Big carrot dangling in front of Celtic

Whether or not Bloemfontein Celtic win the Nedbank Cup tomorrow when they go up against Mamelodi Sundowns, their spot in next season’s Caf Confederation Cup is guaranteed and Downs coach Pitso Mosimane is very excited on Phunya Sele Sele’s behalf.

The winners of the Nedbank Cup get a spot in the continent’s second tier inter-club competition, but since Celtic are facing the league champions – who will play in the Champions League –– Celtic inherit the right even if they finish as runners-up in the Nedbank Cup.

A month ago when the finalists were confirmed, Mosimane mentioned that he would love to see Celtic welcoming African teams at their Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

which is usually vibrant with song and dance from the Celtic faithful.

“I said earlier how exciting it would be to have opponents from Africa playing at the Dr Molemela Stadium, that noisy stadium. I said I would love to be part of that if possible and witness the history. It will be difficult for teams to go to that stadium and I hope that by the time they play (in the Confederation Cup), football will be normal and the supporters will be back,” he added.

They will give everything, that’s how I see the game going,”

His opposite number John Maduka (pictured) is equally as excited about guiding Celtic to their first venture on the continent next season. Extra motivation for his side is the financial incentive that comes with winning the cup, a R7-million winners cheque.

“We are happy that we will be representing South Africa on the continent and it is an opportunity for exposure for so many of the players. It will be good for the team. When it comes to the financial problems, the management and the players are aware of the situation and they have to dig deep and make sure that everything goes according to plan,” said Maduka.