Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are South Africa’s representatives in the CAF Champions League 2026/27, but their routes into the competition are different. Defending African champions Sundowns have a bye through the First Preliminary Round, while Pirates begin in September against La Cure Waves of Mauritius.
The first preliminary-round ties are played from 4-6 September and 11-13 September 2026. The Second Preliminary Round follows in October, with the 16 winners qualifying for the group stage. For the domestic context around both clubs, see SportPesa South Africa’s PSL 2026/27 season preview.
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 |
South Africa’s route to the group stage
| Team | Entry point | First opponent | Possible next opponent |
| Orlando Pirates | First Preliminary Round | La Cure Waves | AS Mangasport or African Stars |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | Second Preliminary Round | Wiliete or Foresters FC | Group stage if they win the tie |
Orlando Pirates start against La Cure Waves
Orlando Pirates enter in the First Preliminary Round against La Cure Waves. CAF’s draw procedure places the non-ranked club at home in the first leg, so Pirates are scheduled to start the tie away before hosting the return match in South Africa.
The first-leg window is 4-6 September, with the return leg from 11-13 September. If Pirates advance, they will meet the winner of AS Mangasport of Gabon versus African Stars of Namibia in the Second Preliminary Round.
That gives Pirates a clear route: La Cure Waves first, then AS Mangasport or African Stars, with a place in the 16-team group stage at stake in October. For more current Pirates coverage on the SP SA blog, see the Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates preview.
READ ALSO :Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns begin their title defence in October
Sundowns are one of three clubs exempted from the First Preliminary Round, alongside Esperance de Tunis and RS Berkane. CAF placed the three highest-ranked clubs directly into the Second Preliminary Round.
The defending champions will face either Wiliete of Angola or Foresters FC of Seychelles. Wiliete and Foresters meet in September, and the winner will host Sundowns in the first leg of the Second Preliminary Round. Sundowns will host the return leg.
Sundowns enter the competition after winning the 2025/26 CAF Champions League title. They beat AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the final to claim their second African crown, following their first title in 2016.
Why Sundowns and Pirates have different entry points
CAF used club ranking and recent continental performance to seed the preliminary rounds. Sundowns are in the top-ranked group and received a first-round bye. Pirates are among the next group of ranked clubs and therefore enter one round earlier against non-ranked opposition.
That gives Sundowns more time before their first continental fixture, while Pirates must balance domestic football with a two-legged CAF tie in September.
When does the CAF Champions League group stage begin?
Group Stage Matchday 1 is scheduled for 27-29 November 2026, with Matchday 2 from 4-6 December. The preliminary rounds also include clubs such as Pyramids FC, TP Mazembe, Simba SC, Young Africans and MC Alger. Neither Sundowns nor Pirates has a group-stage opponent yet; those fixtures are only confirmed after the Second Preliminary Round.
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CAF Champions League 2026/27 FAQs
Who are South Africa’s teams in the CAF Champions League 2026/27?
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are South Africa’s representatives.
Who do Orlando Pirates play first?
Pirates face La Cure Waves of Mauritius in the First Preliminary Round.
Who will Sundowns play?
Sundowns will face the winner of Wiliete vs Foresters FC in the Second Preliminary Round.
Why do Sundowns have a bye?
Sundowns are one of CAF’s three highest-ranked clubs for the draw and were exempted from the First Preliminary Round.
When is CAF Champions League Matchday 2?
Group Stage Matchday 2 is scheduled for 4-6 December 2026. The group-stage fixtures have not yet been drawn.
READ ALSO :South Africa Transfer Deadline Day 2026: PSL Deals and Clubs to Watch
Conclusion
The CAF Champions League 2026/27 begins with different assignments for South Africa’s two representatives. 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. The immediate objective for both clubs is qualification for the 16-team group stage, which begins in late November.
