South Africa’s four representatives have learned their respective paths in the 2026/27 CAF interclub competitions following the preliminary round draw for the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
Orlando Pirates and Durban City will begin their continental campaigns in the first preliminary round, while Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs have received byes and will enter their respective competitions in the second preliminary round.
Pirates Draw Mauritanian Opponents
Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates will kick off their CAF Champions League campaign against Mauritanian side La Cure Waves in the first preliminary round.
The first leg will be played between 4 and 6 September, with the return leg scheduled for 11 to 13 September.
Should the Buccaneers progress on aggregate or via a penalty shootout, they will advance to the second preliminary round.
Sundowns Await Second Preliminary Round
Defending CAF Champions League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been handed a bye into the second preliminary round.
Masandawana will begin the defence of their continental crown in October.
Second Preliminary Round Dates:
- First Leg: 16–18 October
- Second Leg: 23–25 October
Their opponent will be confirmed once the opening preliminary round has been completed.
Durban City Begin Continental Adventure
Durban City will make their CAF Confederation Cup debut against Burundi’s Rukinzo FC in the first preliminary round.
The first leg is scheduled for 4–6 September, before the return fixture takes place between 11 and 13 September.
Victory over two legs would see the Motsepe Foundation Championship champions progress to the second preliminary round.
Chiefs Also Receive Bye
Kaizer Chiefs have also received a bye into the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Like Sundowns, Amakhosi will only begin their continental campaign in October.
Second Preliminary Round Dates:
- First Leg: 16–18 October
- Second Leg: 23–25 October
Their opponents will be determined following the completion of the opening qualifying ties.
South Africa’s Continental Fixtures
CAF Champions League
Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves
- First Leg: 4–6 September
- Second Leg: 11–13 September
Mamelodi Sundowns
- Bye to Second Preliminary Round
- First Leg: 16–18 October
- Second Leg: 23–25 October
CAF Confederation Cup
Durban City vs Rukinzo FC
- First Leg: 4–6 September
- Second Leg: 11–13 September
Kaizer Chiefs
- Bye to Second Preliminary Round
- First Leg: 16–18 October
- Second Leg: 23–25 October
South Africa will once again have four clubs chasing continental success, with Pirates and Durban City getting the campaign underway next month before Sundowns and Chiefs join the action in October.