It's time to take what Africa offers

Dithering by Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits over participation in continental competition displays short-sightedness at the benefits they, and Bafana Bafana, could gain.

With the Confederation of African Football (Caf) providing an extra place in the African Champions League (ACL) and Confederation Cup, SA could benefit from experience gained by its top four clubs in tough continental competition in 2015.

PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Nedbank Cup winners Orlando Pirates have confirmed participation in the ACL and Caf. Chiefs and Wits are yet to commit to the ACL and Caf respectively.

Yet Pirates' run to the 2013 ACL final, and the growth of several players now making an impact for Bafana, adds weight to the argument for taking part.

Andile Jali, now at Oostende in Belgium, displayed superb form in this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for Bafana and puts it down to Bucs campaigning in the ACL.

"I gained the experience playing for Pirates against teams like Al Ahly and Zamalek. I think I've become a better player from that," he told the Sunday Times.

The coach of that Pirates team, current Ajax Cape Town boss Roger de Sa, witnessed Pirates' growth first-hand.

"One thing for sure was the unity it brought us," De Sa said.

"You're tested playing in different conditions, with different officiating. You test the character of all your players and get to know your guys very well.

"Players like Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Thandani Ntshumayelo, Patrick Phungwayo and Thabo Matlaba all grew from those times in DR Congo and Tunisia.

"It's all very well playing at Orlando Stadium, FNB or Bidvest Stadium every week. Now you go to a place where you don't have a single supporter and don't get a decision your way.

"If clubs do more of that Bafana players will be a lot stronger in Africa. We're spoilt in our own environment, especially Bafana players who play for dominant clubs. Once they get thrown in the deep end they're frail.

"I thought Senzo Meyiwa became an international goalkeeper in Pirates' campaign. I always say we're here to produce players for Bafana, and that campaign does just that."

Wits CEO Jose Ferreira has said the club are taking their time on a decision because Caf announced SA would have two more spots so late, after the students had planned their season's budget.

De Sa does agree Caf have some responsibility to improve their organisation.

"SA clubs know once they get into Africa it's not a bed of roses like getting into a five-star bus, a five-star hotel or top stadium.

"But I think if we are truly African like we say we are, then it's time to play in Africa."

Chiefs' indecision seems even to have split opinion within the club, with chairman Kaizer Motaung appearing to confirm participation in a radio interview and Amakhosi subsequently backtracking.

De Sa believes going into continental competition half-heartedly can defeat the object.

"You have to make that decision when you start the campaign.

"You're going to go for it, prepare your squad, be ready to have as many as 12 games added to your programme. If you don't have a decent squad you're going to feel it," he said.