Pirates and Sundowns get favourable CAF Champions League draws

South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have discovered their paths in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League following the preliminary round draw held in Cairo on Thursday.

Mamelodi Sundowns, who enter the competition as the reigning champions after defeating AS FAR Rabat in last season’s final to secure their second continental crown, have been handed a favourable start.

As one of three top-seeded “Level 1” teams, Masandawana will receive a bye in the first preliminary round, alongside Morocco’s RS Berkane and Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis.

South African coaches in ‘Level 2’

Sundowns will therefore start their campaign at the second preliminary round against the winner between Wiliete Benguela of Angola and Foresters FC from Seychelles.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have been placed in “Level 2” among ten clubs. This group notably features several teams led by South African coaches, including Steve Barker’s Simba SC, Manqoba Mngqithi’s Young Africans, and Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids FC. According to the draw mechanics, Level 2 teams will be pitted against non-seeded opponents in both preliminary rounds.

Pirates’ path to the group stage

Pirates, who were knocked out at the second preliminary round last season, will start this season’s campaign at the first round against La Cure Waves from Mauritius. If they advance, the Soweto giants will take on whoever wins between AS Mangasport of Gabon and Africa Stars from Namibia.

In a significant development, record champions Al Ahly will be absent from this year’s tournament. The Egyptian powerhouse finished third in their domestic league, securing a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup instead.

The first preliminary round matches will be staged between September 4 and 6 before the second legs from September 11-13.