Mamelodi Sundowns close to unlocking nearly R100 million CAF prize

Mamelodi Sundowns could bank nearly R100 million next month following their qualification to the CAF Champions League final.

Sundowns made it to the Champions League final for a second straight season and they will take on Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat at home on May 15 and away on May 24, looking to win their second continental title, to add onto the first and only one, claimed 10 years ago under Pitso Mosimane.

The Brazilians are in for a bumper prize money if they win the Champions League given what the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set aside.

How much is the CAF Champions League prize?

Sundowns are in line to bank $6 million (R98.2 million) if they win the Champions League while they are already guaranteed $4 million (R65.5 million) which is the prize for the losing finalists.

The Brazilians would be the beneficiaries of a massive increase in prize money announced by CAF for inter-club competitions last month which saw Champions League prizes increase by 50 per cent from $4 million to $6 million for the winners while CAF Confederation Cup winners will get an increase of 100 per cent from $2 million to $4 million this season.

“The latest increases take the overall prize money and solidarity payments to African clubs to over USD42 million (R687.7 million) per season, an increase of 123.4% (percentage) since Dr [Patrice] Motsepe was elected CAF President,” CAF said in a statement announcing the increase in prize money.

Extra motivation for Mamelodi Sundowns

“Comparatively, in 2021, CAF allocated USD18.8 million (R307.8 million) in total cash for clubs in prize money. Promise to make African club football globally competitive.”

Sundowns pocketed $2 million (R32.7 million) when they finished second last season but they are now guaranteed more than double if they lose again this year, but there is the huge motivation of banking close to R100 million with a win over AS FAR in the final.