The CAF Champions League 2026/27 starts in September, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates representing South Africa. Orlando Pirates begin in the First Preliminary Round against La Cure Waves of Mauritius, while defending champions Sundowns have a bye and enter in the Second Preliminary Round in October.
CAF has already drawn both South African routes. Pirates must beat La Cure Waves and then AS Mangasport or African Stars to reach the group stage. Sundowns will face the winner of Wiliete vs Foresters FC. For the domestic season around both clubs, see SportPesa South Africa’s PSL 2026/27 season preview.
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South Africa’s CAF Champions League route
| Team | Entry round | Opening opponent | Route if they advance |
| Orlando Pirates | First Preliminary Round | La Cure Waves | AS Mangasport or African Stars |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | Second Preliminary Round | Wiliete or Foresters FC | CAF Champions League group stage |
CAF Champions League 2026/27 key dates
| Stage | Dates |
| First Preliminary Round – first legs | 4-6 September 2026 |
| First Preliminary Round – second legs | 11-13 September 2026 |
| Second Preliminary Round – first legs | 16-18 October 2026 |
| Second Preliminary Round – second legs | 23-25 October 2026 |
| Group Stage Matchday 1 | 27-29 November 2026 |
| Group Stage Matchday 2 | 4-6 December 2026 |
Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Waves
Orlando Pirates start their continental campaign against La Cure Waves, who are making their CAF Champions League debut after winning the Mauritian title. Pirates are one of CAF’s Level 2 ranked clubs, while La Cure Waves are non-ranked opposition.
CAF’s draw rules place the non-ranked club at home in the first leg against ranked opposition, so Pirates are due to begin away before hosting the return leg in South Africa. The first-leg window is 4-6 September, followed by the second leg from 11-13 September.
If Pirates progress, the next tie is against the winner of AS Mangasport of Gabon vs African Stars of Namibia. That Second Preliminary Round tie will decide whether Pirates reach the 16-team group stage.
For more current Orlando Pirates coverage on the SP SA blog, see the Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates preview.
Mamelodi Sundowns enter as defending champions
Sundowns do not play in September. CAF exempted the three highest-ranked clubs – Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis and RS Berkane – from the First Preliminary Round.
The South African champions will meet either Wiliete of Angola or Foresters FC of Seychelles in October. The winner of Wiliete vs Foresters will host the first leg of the Second Preliminary Round, with Sundowns hosting the return leg.
Sundowns enter the competition after beating AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the 2025/26 final. They won the first leg 1-0 in Pretoria before a 1-1 draw in Rabat secured their second CAF Champions League title, ten years after their first in 2016.
Why Sundowns and Pirates start in different rounds
CAF used club ranking and recent continental performance to seed the preliminary-round draw. Sundowns are in the highest-ranked group and received a first-round bye. Pirates are in the next ranked group and therefore enter one round earlier against non-ranked opposition.
That creates different workloads. Pirates must manage domestic football and a two-legged continental tie in September. Sundowns can use September for domestic fixtures while waiting to learn whether Wiliete or Foresters FC will be their October opponent.
Other preliminary-round ties to watch
| Fixture | Why it matters |
| Gor Mahia vs Pyramids FC | Pyramids are one of the highest-profile clubs entering in the First Preliminary Round. |
| Medeama SC vs TP Mazembe | Two established continental names meet in the opening round. |
| Mighty Wanderers vs Simba SC | Simba begin away in Malawi. |
| Gaborone United vs Young Africans | Yanga begin their campaign in Botswana. |
When does CAF Champions League Matchday 2 take place?
Group Stage Matchday 2 is scheduled for 4-6 December 2026. There are no Matchday 2 fixtures yet because the group-stage field has not been confirmed. The 16 winners from the Second Preliminary Round will qualify for the group stage, which starts with Matchday 1 from 27-29 November.
Follow CAF Champions League fixtures and live scores
For live scores, fixtures, H2H data, lineups and match statistics once the ties begin, use the SP Score App. Current soccer markets are available on SportPesa South Africa, and the SportPesa App provides access to pre-match and live football markets. Odds and market availability can change. 18+ only. Bet responsibly.
CAF Champions League 2026/27 FAQs
Who are South Africa’s CAF Champions League teams?
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are South Africa’s representatives in the 2026/27 competition.
Who do Orlando Pirates play first?
Pirates face La Cure Waves of Mauritius in the First Preliminary Round. If they advance, they will meet AS Mangasport or African Stars.
Who will Mamelodi Sundowns play?
Sundowns will face Wiliete or Foresters FC in the Second Preliminary Round.
Why do Sundowns have a bye?
CAF placed Sundowns among the three highest-ranked clubs in the preliminary-round draw, giving them direct entry into the Second Preliminary Round.
Conclusion
The CAF Champions League 2026/27 begins with two different routes for South Africa. Orlando Pirates start against La Cure Waves in September and could then face AS Mangasport or African Stars. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns enter in October against Wiliete or Foresters FC. Both clubs must come through the preliminary rounds before any group-stage Matchday 2 discussion becomes relevant.
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