Vitesse FC begin CAF campaign preparations ahead of Real de Bamako clash

Vitesse FC have started preparations in Ouagadougou for their first appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup, with the Burkina Faso side holding its opening training session at Stade du 4-Aout on Thursday, 3 September.

The Bobo-Dioulasso club will face Real de Bamako at the same venue on Sunday, 6 September, in the preliminary round of the competition.

The match will mark an important moment in Vitesse FC’s history. After winning the Coupe du Faso for the first time, the club is now preparing to make its debut on the continental stage.

Head coach Mamadou Zongo, known as “Bebeto”, used Thursday’s session to focus on tactical organisation, rapid transitions and the team’s ability to quickly regain its shape after losing possession.

“Nous essayons de travailler tactiquement. Nous allons travailler sur les transitions rapides et le replacement rapide. Le groupe, il y a l’ambiance. Heureusement, j’ai un groupe tres, tres discipline. C’est a nous de travailler pour que le jour J, il soit en forme”, said the coach after the session.

Zongo said the atmosphere within the squad was positive as preparations continued. He also praised the discipline of his players, while making clear that the coaching staff still had work to do before Sunday’s tie.

The training session at Stade du 4-Aout was Vitesse FC’s first practical step towards its preliminary-round encounter with Real de Bamako. The venue will host both the team’s preparations and the match itself, giving the Burkina Faso representatives a familiar setting for their continental debut.

Vitesse FC’s qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup follows their historic Coupe du Faso triumph, which was the club’s first success in that competition. Their meeting with Real de Bamako will therefore combine a competitive challenge with a landmark occasion for the Bobo-Dioulasso side.

The team’s immediate objective is to complete its preparations and arrive in good condition for the game on Sunday. Zongo’s emphasis on tactical work, quick transitions and rapid repositioning reflects the areas Vitesse FC are prioritising before they begin their first campaign on the African club stage.