CAF offers R1.7m support to South African clubs eliminated in preliminary rounds

South African clubs taking part in this season’s CAF interclub competitions will receive financial support if their continental campaigns end during the preliminary rounds.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that each club eliminated at that stage will be paid USD100,000, worth approximately R1.7 million. The funding is intended to help cover travel and other logistical expenses rather than reward teams for winning or progressing in the competition.

The measure forms part of CAF’s ongoing efforts to reduce the financial burden on clubs competing across Africa. It could be particularly important for the South African representatives involved in the 2026/27 interclub season, given the distances and costs associated with continental away matches.

Orlando Pirates will represent South Africa in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, while Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City will compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.

Orlando Pirates will begin their Champions League campaign in the first preliminary round. The Buccaneers are due to travel to Mauritius this weekend to face La Cure Waves.

Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City will also start their respective Confederation Cup campaigns in the preliminary rounds. As a result, they would qualify for the CAF payment if they are eliminated at that stage.

The USD100,000 allocation is not prize money linked to success in the tournament. Instead, it is financial assistance designed to help participating clubs meet some of the costs generated by their continental commitments.

CAF’s announcement comes as the new interclub season gets under way, with clubs from across the continent preparing for extended travel and demanding schedules as they seek success in Africa’s leading club competitions.

The cost of competing in CAF tournaments has long been a significant consideration for clubs. Teams may be required to cross different regions of the continent for away fixtures, creating additional demands related to transport and other logistical arrangements.

For the South African clubs, the immediate priority will nevertheless be to remain in the competitions for as long as possible. Progression would bring continued sporting opportunities and allow them to pursue the wider rewards associated with a longer continental run.

The CAF support applies specifically to clubs whose campaigns finish in the preliminary rounds. Teams that advance beyond that point will continue their pursuit of continental success, while clubs that are knocked out at the opening stages will receive the payment to help offset part of the expenditure already incurred.

Mamelodi Sundowns will not be involved in the opening round of the Champions League. The defending CAF Champions League champions have been given a bye into the second preliminary round and will therefore begin their title defence later than the other South African clubs.

Their exemption means Mamelodi Sundowns will avoid the first round of fixtures, while Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City face the initial challenge of securing progress in their respective competitions.