South Africa’s elite clubs are gearing up to take on the best the continent has to offer in this season’s CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
Orlando Pirates booked their Champions League ticket after claiming the Betway Premiership title, while Mamelodi Sundowns join them not only PSL runners-up but also as reigning African champions.
In the Confederation Cup, Kaizer Chiefs secured their place after finishing third in the league, alongside Durban City, who qualified by triumphing in the Nedbank Cup.
CAF preliminary round draw dates
Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Durban City will discover their opening preliminary round opponents when the CAF Interclub tournament draw takes place on Thursday, 6 August 2026.
Thanks to their commanding CAF ranking, Sundowns have been exempted from the first preliminary qualification round, allowing Masandawana to skip the opening hurdle as they reap the rewards of their consistent dominance in Africa.
Key CAF Interclub dates
1st Preliminary Round fixtures: 4-6 September (1st leg) and 11-13 September (2nd leg)
2nd Preliminary Round fixtures:16-18 October (1st leg) and 23-25 October (2nd leg)
Group stages:
Matchday 1: 27-29 November
Matchday 2: 4-6 December
Matchday 3: 18-20 December
Matchday 4: 8-10 January
Matchday 5: 15-17 January
Matchday 6: 22-24 January
Quarterfinals: 26-28 February (1st leg) and 5-7 March (2nd leg)
Semi-finals: 9-11 April (1st leg) and 16-18 April (2nd leg)
Final: TBC
The winner of this season’s CAF Champions League will bank an incredible $6 million while the Confederation Cup champions will walk away with an impressive $4 million.
