TP Mazembe’s Nigerian midfielder Augustine Oladipo has heaped praise on the African Football League (AFL) saying it will offer a massive opportunity for players to develop in Africa.
Oladipo believes that the huge financial incentives included in the AFL will increase competition among teams, and also attract top players from the continent to the big teams.
“As players we deserve this. Africa deserves this kind of competition because the money involved is big money. For me this is good for the continent,” the former Enyimba skipper said.
He added; “If you look at this competition and how it started with the Simba and Ahly match, the glamour and the organization is top notch. If you are a good player, you want to play in this kind of competition. You want to remain in Africa because the competition is really attractive even financially.”
Mazembe start their campaign against Esperance in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the midfielder hopes they can start off well and progress to the semi finals.
Oladipo, who is in his second season with The Ravens believes his team is well prepared to battle for a win.
“It is not going to be easy because these are two very experienced sides with good history. Esperance is a good team and we have watched most of their clips and know what to expect. We are also a good team and prepared well so we want to start with a win,” he noted.
Despite the fact that they will be playing their home game in more-or less a neutral ground, Mazembe say they are not deterred.
“As a good player, you can play anywhere. Tanzania is like home for us and so we will not feel disadvantaged,” noted Oladipo.
