CAF Confederation Cup: Stellenbosch drawn with Sead Ramović’s CR Belouizdad in Group C

Stellenbosch FC have been drawn into a challenging Group C for the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face Algerian giants CR Belouizdad, Congo’s AS Otohô, and Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.

The draw sets up a compelling reunion as Stellies prepare to face former TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramović, now in charge of CR Belouizdad. Ramović, who had a fiery tenure in the DStv Premiership, will now cross paths with Steve Barker on the continental stage.

Familiar Foe: Stellies vs Ramović

Stellenbosch and Ramović have clashed multiple times during his spell at TS Galaxy, with Stellies generally holding the upper hand. In their last four league meetings under Ramović’s leadership, Stellenbosch registered two wins and two draws, remaining unbeaten. That record will give Barker’s side quiet confidence heading into their showdown with the Algerian champions.

 Barker: “No Easy Games at This Level”

Reacting to the draw, Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead:

“Once you get to the Group Stage, there are no easy teams. All of the teams have done well and deserve to have reached this stage of the competition.” said Barker

“It’s an interesting draw for us to be playing against different types of opposition. It will be a test for us, especially in terms of our away fixtures to Congo, Tanzania, and Algeria. Being seeded in Pot 2, we knew we’d face a top side like CR Belouizdad, but we’re looking forward to the challenge,” added the Stellies mentor.

Building on Last Season’s Breakthrough

Stellenbosch reached this year’s group stage after a commanding 4-1 aggregate win over 15 de Agosto de Akonibe in the second preliminary round.

Last season, in their debut CAF campaign, Stellies impressed by advancing from a tough group that included CD Lunda Sul and Stade Malien.

They famously knocked out defending champions Zamalek in the quarter-finals before narrowly falling to Simba SC in the semi-finals.

Group Stage Fixtures (Provisional Dates)

• MD1: 21–23 November 2025
• MD2: 28–30 November 2025
• MD3: 23–25 January 2026
• MD4: 30 January–1 February 2026
• MD5: 6–8 February 2026
• MD6: 13–15 February 2026