Diary of a Football Manager – Episode 6 – First hard test in the African Champions League

The first big test of my time managing Orlando Pirates dropped me into the deep end—a first-round match against Tunisia’s top team, one of the best in African football, Esperance Sportive de Tunisia. Honestly, it felt a bit brutal to draw them so early in the competition. Tunisia’s league ranks just below Egypt’s (the best on the continent), and South Africa’s league sits fourth. But hey, they say to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. Right? 

Luckily, we got off to a flying start. Gilberto, my star player, scored within six minutes. He’s the best player I’ve managed in this save so far—and I’d still love him even if he wasn’t because he has an absolutely legendary name. Every time he scores, I picture Gilberto Silva from Arsenal’s Invincibles team. The good vibes from our league form seemed to have carried over, and by halftime, we had a comfortable 2-0 lead. Then, just as they started to make things interesting with a goal of their own, Gilberto struck again, putting us in the driver’s seat with a 4-1 away win. What a result! 

After that away leg dominance, I headed into the second leg feeling way more relaxed. If we could control things that well on the road, what could go wrong at home? Well, turns out, more than I thought. Seven minutes in, they scored a beautiful free-kick, and suddenly it was slight panic mode. Football Manager has this funny way of catching you off guard right when you think you’re in control.

But I stayed calm. We were still the better team, and we had Gilberto—and, sure enough, he showed up just when we needed him, levelling the game in the 30th minute. From that point on, I knew we had it in the bag. I wouldn’t trade Gilberto for any player in the world, not even Vinicius Jr. So there we were, through to the group stage of the African Champions League. A beautiful start to this campaign.

So who are we up against now? I’ll admit, my knowledge of African club football could use some work, so I did a little research.

First, we’ve got Al-Hilal Omdurman from Sudan. They’re a powerhouse in Sudanese football and got to the group stages last season, just missing out on progressing. Definitely not a walk in the park, but I’m not too worried. (Side note: they also used to have one of the sexiest kits I’ve ever seen)

Then there’s Al-Ahli Tripoli from Libya. I don’t know much about them either, but one thing I do know: their ticket prices are £1! ONE POUND. If you ever end up in Tripoli, get yourself over there.

Finally, we’ve got Al-Ahly. Now, these guys are serious contenders. Not only do they have the highest wage bill in the whole competition, but they’ve got some brutal history with Orlando Pirates. In my first season, they knocked us out of the group stage after we finished with a measly three points, and then they crushed us in the African Confederation Cup final (kind of like Africa’s Europa League). They’re the real deal, and it’s a chance to prove we can finally turn the tables.

By the way, while the league isn’t my primary focus this season, we’ve been on fire. I picked up Manager of the Month, and we’re clearly the best team in the league. I think I may have stumbled on a tactic that’s elite. Fingers crossed, because it’s looking like a promising season all around.