CAFCC: Motorbike Incentive Can Drive Us Past Abia Warriors – Djoliba

CAFCC: Motorbike Incentive Can Drive Us Past Abia Warriors – Djoliba

Sampson Adedeji

CAF Confederation Cup hopefuls Djoliba AC of Mali believe an unusual incentive, brand-new motorbikes, could help propel them to victory in a competition where they once came agonisingly close to glory, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Club officials in Bamako, long-time giants of Malian football alongside rivals Stade Malien, revealed they recently presented 21 motorbikes to their players as a motivational boost.

However, the gifts came with strict rules. “The bikes must only be used for training and matchday transportation, not for social outings or commercial use,” a club official explained.

“We want our players to arrive on time, stay focused, and ultimately bring success.”

Motorbikes remain a popular means of transport across West Africa, where owning and running a car is beyond the financial means of many.

Djoliba are no strangers to the CAF Confederation Cup spotlight. They finished runners-up in 2012, losing 4-3 on aggregate to AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville, and are eager to replicate the feat of rivals Stade Malien, surprise champions in 2009.

But the road ahead won’t be easy. First, they must navigate the two-round qualifying phase, starting in September with back-to-back clashes against Nigerian debutants Abia Warriors a team that impressed with a third-place finish in the fiercely competitive Nigeria Premier Football League.

North and West African dominance in the competition is well documented, with clubs from these regions winning 17 of the 22 editions.

Renaissance Berkane of Morocco and CS Sfaxien of Tunisia lead the honours list with three titles.