The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the full calendar for the 2026/27 Interclub competitions -the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. Defending African champions Mamelodi Sundowns headline the country’s challenge after ending their long wait for continental glory last season. Miguel Cardoso’s side will now attempt to achieve what no South African club has managed before by successfully defending the CAF Champions League crown. Joining Sundowns in Africa’s premier club competition are Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates, who edged the Brazilians to the domestic title in the 2025/26 campaign. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs and Nedbank Cup winners Durban City will fly the South African flag in the CAF Confederation Cup. CAF’s schedule shows the preliminary rounds opening in September, although the governing body is yet to conduct the official draws. The first preliminary round will be played over two weekends, with first-leg fixtures scheduled for 4-6 September 2026 before the return matches on 11-13 September. The second preliminary round, where all remaining clubs enter the competitions, will follow a month later. First legs are set for 16-18 October, while the decisive second legs will take place on 23-25 October. As Africa’s highest-ranked club, Sundowns are widely expected to receive a bye into the second preliminary round of the Champions League. Chiefs could also benefit from a similar advantage in the Confederation Cup based on the current club rankings, though CAF has yet to confirm the seedings.



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