CAF have confirmed the second preliminary round fixtures for the Champions League and Confederation Cup. The first legs will be played between 16 and 18 October 2026, with the return legs scheduled for 23 to 25 October 2026.
The ties will determine which clubs progress towards the lucrative group stages of the competitions.
WHO WILL MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AND ORLANDO PIRATES FACE?
South Africa has four representatives still chasing continental glory, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates competing in the CAF Champions League. Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City are in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns received a bye in the first preliminary round and will now begin their CAF Champions League campaign against Angolan side Wiliete SC.
The Brazilians will enter the tie as one of the most experienced clubs in the competition. They will be expected to make their continental experience count over the two legs.
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Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, progressed from the opening round and will face African Stars of Namibia in the second preliminary round.
The Buccaneers will be aiming to complete the job over two legs and secure their place in the final stages of the competition. Both South African clubs know that one difficult result could make the return leg considerably more complicated.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR KAIZER CHIEFS AND DURBAN CITY?
Kaizer Chiefs have been handed a potentially difficult Confederation Cup assignment against Zambian champions Red Arrows.
The Amakhosi received a first-round bye and will travel for the opening leg before welcoming Red Arrows for the decisive return fixture at home.
Durban City also progressed after beating Rukinzo FC of Burundi 3-1 on aggregate. They will now face AS Port-Louis of Mauritius in the second preliminary round.
October will therefore be a massive month for South African club football. The four clubs will have to manage their domestic commitments alongside demanding continental travel, with progression into the group stages now firmly in sight.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Durban City, the objective is clear. Get through the two legs and take another important step towards continental football’s biggest stages.
Are any of these team capable of becoming champions? Let us know in the comments section below.
