South Africa on brink of historic four-club CAF group-stage haul

South Africa is one qualifying round away from placing all four of its clubs in the group stages of the CAF Interclub competitions for the first time.

The possibility emerged after the conclusion of the opening round, with South Africa among seven of the 12 highest-ranked associations to have progressed all four entrants into the second round of the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Tunisia, Angola and Cote d’Ivoire are the other six associations to achieve the same feat.

Mamelodi Sundowns, who received a first-round bye as the highest-ranked team in the CAF 5-year rankings, will face Wiliete Sporte Club de Benguela of Angola in the Champions League.

Orlando Pirates have also advanced to the second round, where they will meet Namibian champions African Stars.

In the Confederation Cup, Kaizer Chiefs benefited from a first-round bye and will play Red Arrows of Zambia. Durban City’s next opponents are AS Port-Louis of Mauritius.

All four South African clubs will reach the group stages if they win their respective two-legged qualifiers in October.

Such an outcome would underline the PSL’s position in African club football and make South Africa the first association to have four clubs in the group stages of the two CAF competitions.

Success in the Champions League group-stage qualifiers would also bring each club at least USD700 000 (approximately R11,4 million) from CAF.

The minimum payment for reaching the Confederation Cup group stage is USD400 000 (approximately R6,5 million).

The associations with two clubs in the Champions League are:

– Egypt: Pyramids, Zamalek – Morocco: Maghreb Fez, RS Berkane – South Africa: Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates – Tanzania: Young Africans, Simba – Tunisia: Esperance de Tunis, Club Africain – Angola: Petro de Luanda, Wiliete – Cote d’Ivoire: ASEC Mimosas, San Pedro

The associations with two clubs in the Confederation Cup are:

– Egypt: Al Ahly, ZED FC – Morocco: Raja Casablanca, AS FAR – South Africa: Kaizer Chiefs, Durban City – Tanzania: Azam, Singida Black Stars – Tunisia: CS Sfaxien, ES Zarzis – Angola: Primeiro de Agosto, Kabuscorp – Cote d’Ivoire: AFAD Djekanou, CO Korhogo