Kaizer Chiefs, who qualified by finishing third in the Betway Premiership, and Durban City, who booked their place by winning the Nedbank Cup, will chase a R65 million jackpot in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced the schedule for the new CAF Confederation Cup season, with the winners once again set to pocket USD 4 million (R65 million).
Kaizer Chiefs secured their place in the competition after finishing third in the Betway Premiership, while Durban City qualified by lifting the Nedbank Cup, earning the right to represent South Africa on the continental stage.
KAIZER CHIEFS AND DURBAN CITY CHASING R65 MILLION
South Africa’s two representatives will begin their continental journeys in the preliminary rounds during September and October before targeting a place in the lucrative group stage.
The first preliminary round will take place between 4 and 13 September, while the second preliminary round is scheduled from 16 to 25 October.
If both clubs progress, they will enter the group stage, which runs from late November 2026 to January 2027, with six matches standing between them and the knockout rounds.
The competition then moves into the quarter-finals in February and March, followed by the semi-finals in April, before the final is staged between 9 and 31 May 2027.
LONG ROAD TO CONTINENTAL SUCCESS
For Kaizer Chiefs, the tournament offers another opportunity to build on last season’s progress and compete for major continental honours. Durban City, meanwhile, will be looking to cap their fairytale rise by making a statement against Africa’s established clubs.
Beyond lifting a major continental trophy, the financial reward could significantly strengthen either club’s transfer budget and ambitions for future seasons.
With R65 million on offer for the eventual champions, every stage of the competition promises to carry enormous significance.
2026/27 CAF CONFEDERATION CUP KEY DATES
- First preliminary round: 4-6 September (first leg), 11-13 September (second leg)
- Second preliminary round: 16-18 October (first leg), 23-25 October (second leg)
- Group stage: 27 November 2026 – 24 January 2027
- Quarter-finals: 26 February – 7 March 2027
- Semi-finals: 9-18 April 2027
- Final: 9-31 May 2027.
