GU's unfinished Champions League business
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 26, 2025 10:30
On Saturday, GU were crowned the 2024–2025 FNB Premiership champions, which guarantees the side a place in the preliminary round of the Champions League. Speaking to MmegiSport on Thursday, the club's marketing and communications manager, Herbert Letsebe said management is yet to meet and decide on the Champions League. Letsebe, however, said it is the club's wish to return to Africa's premier club competition pending availability of resources. 'We are yet to meet. Yes, we have won the league but our focus now is on finishing the league. The league has not yet concluded and some of the decisions will be made after then, and we expect the management to meet by next week and until then we would be able to confirm our participation. Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. That is what we are playing for. We play to win the league for us to participate in the Champions League,' he said.
The Reds have two appearances in the CAF Champions League and finished in the preliminary round in 2010 and 2023 editions. The team's last appearance in the continental competition was in the 2023–2024 season where they reached the second round. The Reds have never gone past the knockout stages and Letsebe hinted the club has unfinished business in the competition. 'As a club, we have always felt that we have been performing well in the league but have not done that well in the CAF competitions. So it has always been our mission to return to the CAF competitions and go a step further than how we did the last time,' said Letsebe. The CAF interclub competitions have over the years proved to be a burden to local clubs' pockets, more especially the preliminary rounds that have lower financial returns. A single away trip can cost over P500,000 depending on the proximity of the opponents. Letsebe further said the club is also yet to decide on winning bonuses for the team as he added that the decision would be kept in-house. 'We should understand that bonuses are an offering from the employers. As the employers, what we need to do is make sure that we meet all contractual obligations and bonuses are an addition based on a decision by the management. Also, when we decide on the bonuses it will be between the club and employees,' said Letsebe.
The Reds are in action over the weekend when they conclude the 2024–2025 FNB premiership action against cross-town rivals, Township Rollers. It is a moment to savour for GU as they are expected to be given a guard of honour by their sworn rivals as the Reds and Blue square off at the National Stadium. In other games, Security Systems face Flamengo Santos at the GU Stadium whilst TAFIC visit Nico United at the Sam Sono Stadium. Matebele FC hosts BDF XI at the Lobatse Sports Complex as VTM FC take on Jwaneng Galaxy at the Galaxy Stadium. Chadibe FC will bid the top flight league farewell against Orapa United whilst Sua Flamingoes host Extension Gunners at the Sowa Town Council Stadium. All the games kick-off at 3pm.