The scheduling conflict between the first leg matches of the CAN 2015 qualifiers and the group stage matches of the Champions League and CAF Cup has created tensions between certain clubs and national teams in Africa. One such example is the dispute between TP Mazembe and the Tanzanian national team.
During the weekend of May 16 to 18, TP Mazembe is set to face Al Hilal in the Champions League, a match that coach Patrice Carteron intends to approach with his full squad. However, this coincides with Tanzania’s first round qualifier match against Zimbabwe for the CAN 2015.
Tanzania is eager to field key players Mbwana Samatta and Thomas Ulimwengu, who play for TP Mazembe, in their national team. However, TP Mazembe has refused to release the players for international duty, leading to tension between the club and the national team.
This situation is not unique to Tanzania and TP Mazembe; other countries such as Mauritania, Congo, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya are facing similar challenges. The scheduling conflict not only jeopardizes the availability of players for national team duty but also creates friction between clubs and national associations.
With the return matches of the qualifiers scheduled for the same weekend as the second round of the group stage matches in the Champions League and CAF Cup, the standoff between clubs and national teams may intensify further.
The scheduling overlap highlights the need for better coordination and communication between CAF and national football associations to avoid such conflicts in the future and ensure the smooth functioning of both club and international competitions.
