Pirates denied AFL debut, Sundowns to wait longer to defend crown

The annual African Football League (AFL) will not be played in the 2024/25 season, Caf’s Director of Competitions Samson Adamu has confirmed.

Mamelodi Sundowns won the first edition played by only eight teams around the continent. Petro Luanda, TP Mazembe, Enyimba, Simba, Al Ahly, Wydad Athletic Club, and Esperance were the other teams that took part in the previous campaign.

Masandawana beat Wydad AC to be crowned and were keen on defending it this season. However, the football calendar is full of activities meaning it will be tough to hold all competitions.

Caf was set to expand the tournament to 24 teams meaning Orlando Pirates had a massive chance to make their debut, but it will not be the case. As confirmed, the AFL will return next season.

The AFL will be bigger and better but…

“I think the plans fully for the AFL, it is highly unlikely this year because we only have a few months until the end of the year but the plans will be revealed for next year, as to when it is going to happen and what are the plans for it,” Adamu opened up to SABC.

“But there is advanced talk in terms of the preparation for the AFL to make sure that the AFL is bigger than before. 

“For the Club World Cup, AFL is going to have men’s club football as you saw the last edition was extremely good, even bigger and better.”

Internationally, Sundowns and Pirates are playing in the Caf Champions League but the former are part of the teams that will feature in the expanded Fifa Club World Cup.