The CAF Interclub Group Stage Draw, held yesterday afternoon in Johannesburg, South Africa, has set the stage for an exciting continental campaign involving three South African clubs across the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Stellenbosch FC, last season’s semifinalists, were drawn in Group C alongside AS Otoho (Congo), Singida Black Stars (Tanzania), and CR Belouizdad (Algeria). Kaizer Chiefs, returning to continental football after ending a ten-year trophy drought by defeating arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the domestic cup final, will compete in Group D with Zesco United (Zambia), Al Masry (Egypt), and Zamalek SC (Egypt).
In the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns, runners-up in last season’s final after losing to Pyramids FC of Egypt, have been placed in Group C alongside MC Alger (Algeria), FC St. Eloi Lupopo (DR Congo), and Al Hilal (Sudan). The draw sets up an emotional reunion for Rhulani Mokwena, now coaching MC Alger, who will face his former side, Sundowns.
Adding to the intrigue, St. Eloi Lupopo, who eliminated Orlando Pirates in the second preliminary round, will return to South Africa to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the group stage.
Both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup group stage matches are scheduled to kick off on 21 November 2025, promising an action-packed start to Africa’s premier club competitions.