The African continent will come to a stand still at exactly 19:00 hours central African time when CAF confederations cup champions TP Mazembe take on CAF Champions league champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld stadium.
This is as big as they came in regards to African club football super clashes. The winners take home $100 000 with the runners-up getting $75 000, With such huge amounts up for grabs one can not expect anything less than a fierce battle on the pitch.
However, In Zambia the match itself has taken a back seat to a perceived battle of two new generation African football geniuses in Rainford ‘Master,Ba Mupa’ Kalaba and Khama Billiat.
It seems the fans of the Zambian captain, Kalaba are still mad over the CAF African player of the year based in Africa award snub. The prince of Kamalondo came out third behind Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Dennis Onyango and Khama Billiat.
Their was an out-cry from Zambian fans, Questioning the system CAF used to award the prestigious gong to Onyango (even though CAF is not entirely responsible for award as their many stake holders who vote including Coaches/Technical directors of National teams).
Kalaba won the 2016 CAF confederations cup with TP Mazembe, Scoring 7 goals in the process topping the scorers charts as well as outscoring his Mazembe team mates in 2016 with 16 goals, While the Sundowns duo won CAF Champions league and were instrumental in their national teams qualification to AFCON 2017.
Kalaba has a control of velvet, one you see from the worlds best midfielders like Iniesta and Luka modric. When he concludes a beautiful orchestrated move he scores a goal of wonder be it a flick or a bomb, or even a head kick. The jersey number 18 of TP Mazembe raises the supporters to the height of happiness. It is Merlin the enchanter. It’s Peter Pan the mischievous.
Biliat has a brain of a genius and feet of a fantastic dancer. He is very swift on the ball, dribbles past players with ease making the beautiful game of football look like an easy sport.
The stage is set and Africa expects a great show from all the players who will be on the pitch tonight, But most especially the two gentlemen, As they are among the most prized talents on the continent.
