Mamelodi Sundowns granted CAF Champions League bye as Kaizer Chiefs begin Confederation Cup campaign in first round

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been handed a major boost ahead of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign after receiving a bye from the first preliminary round of the competition.

The South African giants will not be involved in the opening qualifying stage and will only enter the tournament at the second preliminary round, giving them additional time to prepare for their title defence.

Sundowns secured continental glory in the previous edition of the CAF Champions League and will now wait for the outcome of the first preliminary round fixtures before discovering their opponents in the next phase.

The bye is expected to ease the workload on the champions, who will also be competing on multiple fronts domestically and internationally during the new season.

Meanwhile, fellow South African club Kaizer Chiefs have not been granted a similar advantage in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

The Amakhosi will be required to begin their continental journey from the first preliminary round as they seek success in Africa’s second-tier club competition.

Chiefs will have to navigate the early qualifying rounds to reach the group stage, with the club hoping to make a strong impression after securing their place in the Confederation Cup.

The contrasting situations mean Sundowns will have a smoother start to their Champions League title defence, while Kaizer Chiefs face an immediate test in their quest for continental honours.