Mazembe plan bid for African glory

By Patrice Chitera
BBC Sport, Kinshasa

Former African champions TP Mazembe are plotting a multi-million dollar challenge for the Champions League next season.

A few days before the culmination of this year's competition, the DR Congo giants have announced a budget of US$5m for next season.

Speaking to BBC Sport from the club's base in Lubumbashi in the south of the country, TP Mazembe Secretary General Ngoy Sendwe said the cash will enable them to sign a European coach as well as buy new players.

"Last year we were eliminated in the semi-finals after spending US$3m," he told the BBC.

"We realised we would have to nearly double our budget if we are to win the Champions League title next year.

"Most of that sum will be earmarked to buy a foreign coach from Europe and pay him.

"We are also aiming to double the wages of our players."

Lubumbashi is in a major mining district and the money has been raised through sponsorship from several firms.

"The budget will mainly come from the contributions of sponsors who are mining companies based in Lubumbashi," Mr Sendwe said.

"We also get contributions from members living around the world and we welcome small contributions from our fans as well."

TP Mazembe have won the African title twice, in 1968 and 1980.

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