South Africa’s four representatives in CAF inter-club competitions have learned their path for the 2026/27 continental season after CAF confirmed the preliminary-round dates for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.
The new campaign promises plenty of intrigue, with Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City all set to fly the South African flag on the continent.
Defending champions
Mamelodi Sundowns head into the tournament as defending CAF Champions League champions after ending their lengthy wait for a second continental crown by defeating AS FAR Rabat in last month’s final.
The Brazilians will once again be among the favourites to challenge for the title and, based on recent seasons, should receive a bye into the second preliminary round.
CAF’s calendar indicates that the first preliminary round for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup will take place between 4 and 13 September, while the second preliminary round is scheduled from 16 to 25 October.
Continental showpiece
The group stage campaign will commence on 27 November 27 and run through 23 January 2027, featuring six matchdays that will determine the clubs advancing to the knockout rounds.
The knockout phase will begin with the quarter-finals, which are slated for 26 February to 7 March 2027.
The remaining contenders will then face off in the semi-finals between 9 and 17 April 2027, with a place in the continental showpiece at stake.
CAF has also confirmed that the finals of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup will be played sometime between 9 and 31 May 2027, although the exact dated have yet to be announced.
Looking for a deeper run
Joining Mamelodi Sundowns in the Champions League will be Orlando Pirates, who will be looking to make a deeper run after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.
The Buccaneers saw their hopes dashed in the preliminary stages after suffering elimination at the hands of Saint-Lupopo.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Kaizer Chiefs make a welcome return to continental football after securing a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership.
The Glamour Boys will be eager to re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite after several seasons away from CAF competition.
Nedbank Cup winners
Kaizer Chiefs will be accompanied by Durban City, who are preparing for a historic maiden appearance on the continental stage after earning qualification through their Nedbank Cup triumph.
With South African clubs enjoying renewed success in African football, expectations will be high for another strong showing when the 2026/27 CAF season gets underway in September.
All eyes will now turn to the draw and whether South Africa’s quartet can continue the country’s recent rise on the continental stage.
