Sundowns, Pirates, Chiefs and City carry South African hopes in CAF competitions

South Africa’s representatives for the upcoming 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions have been officially confirmed, with four clubs set to fly the nation’s flag across the continent.

In the CAF Champions League, both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will feature after finishing in the top two positions of the Betway Premiership. Pirates return to the competition after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, where they were knocked out in the second round and failed to reach the group stages.

Sundowns, meanwhile, not only qualified domestically but also remain in contention for continental glory this season, having reached the CAF Champions League final. The Brazilians will host Moroccan giants AS FAR Rabat in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday, with kick-off at 16h00.

The CAF Confederation Cup slots have been awarded to Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City FC. Chiefs return to the tournament after being eliminated in the group stages of the 2025/26 season. They had qualified last season by winning the Nedbank Cup, and now secure back-to-back continental participation thanks to their third-place finish in the Premiership. Durban City, meanwhile, booked their place by lifting the 2025/26 Nedbank Cup, earning their ticket to Africa’s second-tier competition.

This lineup highlights both resilience and ambition. Pirates and Chiefs are back to prove themselves after early exits last season, while Sundowns aim to build on their current Champions League run. Durban City, buoyed by their cup triumph, will look to make a statement in their Confederation Cup debut.

Together, these four clubs underline the growing competitiveness of South African football and its determination to challenge for honors at the highest level in Africa.