South African clubs Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC have bagged a nomination for the 2025 CAF awards. The three clubs had an impressive run in the previous season on the continent.
Pirates and Stellenbosch enjoyed a deep run as they made it to the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, respectively. On the other hand, Sundowns reached the final of the Champions League, where they lost 3-1 on aggregate against Pyramids FC.
Interestingly, Pyramids eliminated another Betway Premiership side, Pirates, in the semi-final before defeating Masandawana in the final to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Despite falling short in the semis, Pirates were one of the best clubs in the Champions League after finishing the group stages without tasting a defeat while beating MC Alger in the quarter-final.
Meanwhile, the Brazilians also had an impressive run in the Champions League, and they came close to winning the title for the second time, having won it back in 2016 under the then-head coach Pitso Mosimane.
Another team that has been making a steady rise as one of the best clubs in the PSL, Stellenbosch, were knocked out of the Confed Cup in the semi-final by Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
SA CLUBS NOMINATED FOR CLUB OF THE YEAR ACCOLADE IN THE CAF AWARDS
After flying the SA flag on the continent last season, Stellenbosch, Pirates, and Sundowns have been recognised by CAF.
They have been nominated for the CAF Club of the Year alongside CR Belouizdad, CS Constantine, Asec Mimosas, Pyramids FC, RS Berkane, Al Hilal SC and Simba SC.
In the new season of CAF competitions, Pirates are at risk of early elimination after suffering a 3-0 defeat against Saint Eloi Lupopo in the first-leg of the Champions League Second Preliminary Round. The Buccaneers will need to win the return leg with more than three goals to advance to the group stages.
In addition, Sundowns have claimed a convincing 5-1 win in the first-leg of the Champions League second preliminary rounds against Remo Stars of Nigeria, while Stillies played to a goalless draw against 15 De Agosto away from home in the Confederation Cup.
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