Kaizer Chiefs feature in the latest CAF club rankings, where Mamelodi Sundowns remain South Africa’s standout story after securing second place for 2025.
Orlando Pirates, despite last season’s semi-final run, slipped outside the elite bracket into 15th, while Amakhosi sit all the way down in 50th after a quiet few years in Africa.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AND ORLANDO PIRATES FLYING THE FLAG
CAF’s official list, released before the new CAF Champions League (CAFCL) and Confederation Cup (CAFCC) seasons, reflects a five-year performance window across both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Recent seasons carry more weight, which is why consistent campaigns, like Sundowns’, keep paying off. South Africa’s presence outside the top 10 remains competitive. Stellenbosch FC, fresh from last season’s impressive Confederation Cup semifinal, sit 21st. Marumo Gallants, famous for their 2023 semis run, are 31st.
These rankings also reflect the long journey South African clubs have taken to re-establish themselves on the continent. Pirates reignited national ambition with their 2013 Champions League final, Sundowns delivered the big one in 2016, and Chiefs shocked Africa with their 2021 final. More recently,Stellenbosch and Gallants have pushed up after spirited Confederation Cup campaigns.
LATEST CAF 10 CAF CLUBS
1. Al Ahly FC (Egypt) – 78 points
2. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) – 62 points
3. Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) – 57 points
4. RS Berkane (Morocco) – 52 points
5. Simba SC (Tanzania) – 48 points
6. Pyramids FC (Egypt) – 47 points
7. Zamalek SC (Egypt) – 42 points
8. Wydad AC (Morocco) – 39 points
9. USM Alger (Algeria) – 37 points
10. CR Belouizdad (Algeria) – 36 points.
…
15th – Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
21st – Stellenbosch FC (South Africa)
31st – Marumo Gallants (South Africa)
50th – Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa).
How CAF calculates the rankings
Points are awarded based on progression in the Champions League and Confederation Cup over five-year cycles:
CAF Champions League:
- Winner – 6
- Runner-up – 5
- Semifinal – 4
- Quarterfinal – 3
- 3rd in group – 2
- 4th in group – 1
CAF Confederation Cup:
- Winner – 5
- Runner-up – 4
- Semifinal – 3
- Quarterfinal – 2
- 3rd in group – 1
- 4th in group – 0.5.