Orlando Pirates warned Colombe Sportive can upset CAF Champions League group

Orlando Pirates are expected to carry out extensive research on Colombe Sportive, the team viewed as the weakest side in their CAF Champions League group but one capable of causing problems.

The South African club will face RS Berkane, Simba and Colombe Sportive in Group C. Pirates have previously met both RS Berkane and Simba, but their Cameroonian opponents will be a new challenge.

Colombe Sportive’s qualification for the group stage followed an impressive route. They eliminated Stade Malien in the first preliminary round, winning the tie on penalties despite being without head coach and former Cameroon international Richard Towa.

Towa was suspended for both legs, leaving Roger Fotso to take charge as interim coach.

Stade Malien are experienced opponents and tested Mamelodi Sundowns during last season’s quarter-finals. Colombe Sportive then overcame Senegalese club Teungueth to complete their progress.

Government backing and rising wages

Pretoria-based Cameroon-born agent Michel Sinha says Colombe Sportive have benefited from significant financial backing from a senior government figure from the region.

“One of the top government officials, who comes from that area, has invested a lot of money in this team,” Sinha said.

The club have traditionally existed outside the spotlight and spent several years in Cameroon’s lower divisions, including the period when Sinha was playing in the country’s second and third tiers.

“They are recruiting well, so they are not to be undermined because they have players keen to market themselves,” he added.

Sinha said the club’s best-paid players now earn just over R20,000, in addition to accommodation. Previously, players received about R6,000.

He credited former Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o with helping to improve the financial landscape of football in the country.

“Before that, players used to get R6 000, but Samuel Eto’o has changed a lot of things in Cameroonian football for the better,” Sinha said.

Their victories over clubs from Mali and Senegal underline the threat they pose, he added.

“Their qualification route wasn’t easy as they knocked out teams from Mali and Senegal, so they will be a threat.

“Credit to Richard Towa for what he has done.”

Cameroon champions’ main players

Colombe Sportive’s attack is led by Ghanaian striker Adam Musah, who is regarded as their principal source of goals.

They also have Jean Hughes Eyango, who has been included in the Cameroon squad for the November FIFA dates.

Captain Arthur Yene leads a side whose regular goalkeeper is Edouard Sombang. Doyen Bello Zabo operates at right-back, with Robert Atsiga and Marius Essapa in central defence and Anjeh Akoh at left-back.

Marc Essono and Jude Enow Enow generally handle the midfield duties for the Cameroon champions.