ZIMBABWE giants are guaranteed of a US$400 000 windfall if they qualify for the lucrative group stages of the TotalEnergies Caf Confederation Cup.
DeMbare made it past the first preliminary round of the competition last month after defeating Zambia’s Zesco United 1-0 on aggregate.
The goal came from Tanaka Shandirwa in the first leg before they played a goalless draw in the second leg in Zambia.
The second preliminary round also looks bright for DeMbare, who beat Orapa United 1-0 away from home at Francistown Stadium in the first leg last Sunday.
Dynamos are 90 minutes away from the jackpot and face the same opponents at their home base on Sunday.
For taking part in the preliminary stages, Dynamos received US$50 000 as said by Caf last month when they announced the increased Caf competitions’ prize monies.
“In line with the Confédération Africaine de Football president Patrice Motsepe’s promise to improve club competitions and provide more financial assistance to clubs, the clubs participating in the preliminary stages of the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League and TotalEnergies Caf Confederation Cup will receive US$50 000 each,” Caf said.
Reigning Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Ngezi Platinum Stars were booted out in the early stages of the Caf Champions League by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s AS Maniema in a penalty shootout in which the central African country also received the US$50 000.
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“This is the first time Caf offers financial assistance to clubs at this stage of the competition. Previously, clubs needed to reach the group stages to be eligible to share the overall prize money,” Caf said back then.
The continental mother body added: “The significant step by Caf addresses the long-standing concerns from clubs on the travelling and logistical costs associated escalating playing in club continental football.
“This financial boost for preliminary round participants complements the existing prize money structure for later stages of both competitions.
“This move is expected to incentivise more clubs to participate in continental competitions and raise the overall standard of club football in Africa.”
Ngezi Platinum missed out on US$700 000 guaranteed for teams that qualify to the group stages of the Caf Champions League.
If Dynamos reach the quarter-finals of the Confederation Cup, they are guaranteed US$550 000 and US$750 000 for the semi-finals.
The winner of the competition will walk away US$2 million richer, while the runners-up will get US$1 million.
Winners of the Caf Champions League will get a staggering US$4 million.
