Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Fani Madida says Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup participation has its positives for Betway Premiership players but warns it is not a guarantee that PSL clubs will have an advantage in CAF inter-club competitions.
Nineteen of coach Hugo Broos’ 26-man Bafana players who went to the World Cup ply their trade locally, in what was a big vote of confidence for the PSL. Mamelodi Sundowns provided eight players plus two who were on loan at other clubs.
Orlando Pirates also contributed eight men while Kaizer Chiefs only had left-back Bradley Cross in the squad. Polokwane City FC defender Thabang Matuludi was the other locally based player in the Bafana Bafana side that reached the World Cup Round of 32.
Now, Pirates and Sundowns are set to participate in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League. Chiefs return to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they are joined by Durban City FC, who do not have a single player with World Cup experience.
Sundowns are the reigning African champions and, with Ricardo Goss returning from a loan spell at Siwelele FC and the addition of Jayden Adams, they now boast eight players who featured in the latest edition of the global tournament. Following Relebohile Mofokeng’s transfer to Belgian Jupiler Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Pirates are left with seven players who attended the showpiece in North America.
ONLY MOTIVATION AND NOT AN EDGE: MADIDA ON PIRATES AND SUNDOWNS STARS PLAYING WORLD CUP FOOTBALL
While Sundowns will be out to defend the Champions League, Pirates will be bidding to reclaim the trophy they last won in 1995. Chiefs will be pushing for a first continental trophy since the 2001 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup as Durban City are making their debut in Africa.
In an interview with FARPost, Madida acknowledges that gracing the global football showpiece comes with exposure, but it goes nowhere beyond motivation.
“One will say from what these players experienced, it’s easier now to compete at that level [Champions League] because they are coming from the level of the World Cup. It’s some motivation and nothing more to it,” Madida told FARPost.
“The World Cup and club football are two different things. The atmosphere at the World Cup was not as intimidating as when you play continental football. One cannot equate the two.
“The motivating part will give players the belief that they can play against any opponents. If they were able to play against South Korea, Canada and Mexico, they are ready and motivated for anything. But these are different competitions because now you will be playing against your Al Ahly, Esperance and other teams.
“There is no edge, just motivation. If we talk about edge, then what do we say about Sundowns, who have already excelled in this tournament? Other teams will get the edge from seeing Sundowns winning the Champions League. That’s where the edge comes from playing against teams such as Al Ahly and Esperance.”
TIME FOR PSL CLUBS TO DOMINATE CAF COMPETITIONS?
North African clubs have been dominating CAF inter-club competitions, and Madida believes the PSL has laid a good foundation for clubs to build on when they go to Africa.
“Football is forever played. When you win the domestic championship, you go to the Champions League. If you win cups, you go to the Confederation Cup,” Madida added.
“Your domestic competition will tell you if you can go further on the continent. In this case, you have the PSL as a competitive league, which strengthens your ability to face big teams in Africa. You just need to compete to say I have to win and work hard towards it.
“So, how you perform in the domestic league could influence what you do in the African Champions League.”
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