South African representatives Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Durban City FC have discovered their preliminary round opponents for the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions.
The official draw for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup was conducted at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, 6 August 2026.
Sundowns and Pirates will flag-bear South Africa in the Champions League, while Chiefs and debutants Durban City will participate in the Confederation Cup.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: SUNDOWNS AND PIRATES DRAW
Reigning continental champions Bafana Ba Style received a first-round bye due to their high standing in the CAF inter-club rankings. Masandawana, who secured their title with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Morocco’s AS FAR in May 2026, will enter the competition in the second preliminary round.
The Brazilians will face the winner of the tie between Wiliete SC of Angola and Foresters FC of Seychelles.
On the other hand, the Buccaneers will begin their campaign in the first preliminary round. The Sea Robbers have been paired against Mauritanian outfit La Cure Waves.
CAF CONFEDERATION CUP: CHIEFS AND DURBAN CITY LEARN OPPONENTS
Amakhosi, returning to continental football for a second consecutive season, also earned a bye past the opening stage.
The Glamour Boys will watch the first preliminary round clash between Red Arrows of Zambia and Madagascar’s FC Rouge with keen interest, as they are slated to meet the winner in the second preliminary round.
Meanwhile, debutants Durban City will commence their continental journey in the first preliminary round. The KwaZulu-Natal-based side will face Burundi’s Rukinzo FC as they aim to make a strong first impression in CAF competition.
The 2026/27 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup first preliminary round matches kick off with the first legs on September 4–6, 2026, followed by the return legs a week later.
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