The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the schedule for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, kicking off what promises to be another exciting season of African club football.
Mamelodi Sundowns, the current African champions, will lead South Africa’s campaign after finally winning the CAF Champions League last season. Miguel Cardoso’s team now hopes to become the first South African club to defend the trophy.
Orlando Pirates, who won the Betway Premiership by narrowly beating Sundowns to the league title in the 2025/26 season, will also compete in the Champions League.
Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City, who won the Nedbank Cup, will represent South Africa in the CAF Confederation Cup.
CAF’s calendar shows that the preliminary rounds will start in September, but the official draws have not been held yet.
The first preliminary round will take place over two weekends. First-leg matches are set for September 4-6, with the return legs from September 11-13.
The second preliminary round will take place in October, with first-leg fixtures set for October 16-18, followed by the decisive return matches on October 23-25.
Mamelodi Sundowns, currently Africa’s top-ranked club, are expected to get a bye into the second preliminary round of the Champions League. Kaizer Chiefs might also receive the same advantage in the Confederation Cup, depending on the latest club rankings, but CAF has not confirmed the seedings yet.
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