CAF history beckons for PSL clubs with moneybag to fill

The end of the first round of qualifiers in the CAF Interclub competitions has placed South Africa within a stone’s throw of having all its four clubs in the group stage for the first time.

From the top 12 ranked associations allowed to enter two clubs in each competition, seven have all their four clubs in the second round of qualifiers in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

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South Africa is amongst those seven along with Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Tunisia, Angola, and Cote d’Ivoire.

Orlando Pirates have joined Mamelodi Sundowns in the second round of the Champions League.

The latter had a first-round bye by virtue of being the highest-ranked team in the CAF 5-year rankings. 

Then, in the Confederation Cup, Kaizer Chiefs - who also had a bye in the first round - now have Durban City for company.

Sundowns must negotiate their way past Angolan club Wiliete Sporte Club de Benguela to get into the group stage for the 12th season in a row.

Pirates have a date with Namibian champions African Stars.

Chiefs’ path has Red Arrows from Zambia, while the next hurdle for Durban City will be AS Port-Louis of Mauritius. 

All four will be in the group stages if they emerge winners in the two-legged qualifiers being played in October.

This would be the first time that South Africa has four clubs in the group stages, demonstrating the PSL’s standing on the continent.

Getting into the group stage in the Champions League will come with a payment of at least USD700 000 (approx. R11,4 million) from CAF. 

The Confederation Cup group stage comes with an offer of at least USD400 000 (approx. R6,5 million).

Associations with two clubs in the Champions League: 

Egypt – Pyramids, Zamalek

Morocco – Maghreb Fez, RS Berkane

South Africa – Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates

Tanzania – Young Africans, Simba

Tunisia – Esperance de Tunis, Club Africain

Angola – Petro de Luanda, Wiliete

Cote d’Ivoire – ASEC Mimosas, San Pedro 

Associations with two clubs in the Confederation Cup: 

Egypt – Al Ahly, ZED FC

Morocco –Raja Casablanca, AS FAR

South Africa – Kaizer Chiefs, Durban City

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Tanzania – Azam, Singida Black Stars

Tunisia – CS Sfaxien, ES Zarzis

Angola – Primeiro de Agosto, Kabuscorp 

Cote d’Ivoire – AFAD Djekanou, CO Korhogo

Related tags

Caf Champions League Caf Confederation Cup Durban City Kaizer Chiefs Mamelodi Sundowns Orlando Pirates