Fresh off their second CAF Champions League title triumph, Mamelodi Sundowns remain the pinnacle of African club football. The latest 5-year CAF Club Rankings confirm Masandawana at the absolute top of the continent with 73 points, placing them 7 points clear of Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly (66 points).
With the 2026/27 preliminary draws officially taking center stage, the rankings serve as the decisive factor for pot allocations, seedings, and pot draws for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.
South African Clubs in the Continental Rankings
The latest coefficient rankings highlight the contrasting fortunes and growth across South Africa’s top-flight representatives:
- 1. Mamelodi Sundowns (1st — 73 pts): Top of Africa following their 2025/26 Champions League trophy run and qualification for the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
- 2. Orlando Pirates (19th — 20 pts): South Africa’s second-highest ranked side despite a disappointing second preliminary round exit last season.
- 3. Stellenbosch FC (21st — 17 pts): Rapid rise into the top 25 off back-to-back strong performances in the CAF Confederation Cup.
- 4. Marumo Gallants (37th — 6 pts): Holding position from previous semi-final runs.
- 5. Kaizer Chiefs (38th — 5 pts): Climbing into the top 40 after returning to continental football and reaching the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
- 6. Sekhukhune United (56th — 3 pts): Maintaining a footprint in the top 60.
- 7. AmaZulu FC (69th — 2 pts) & SuperSport United (71st — 1.5 pts): Closing out SA’s ranked clubs.
The Stakes for the 2026/27 Campaign
With Sundowns and Pirates tackling the CAF Champions League while Chiefs and debutants Durban City enter the CAF Confederation Cup, South African teams have a prime opportunity to collect maximum coefficient points, improve draw seedings, and solidify the PSL’s ranking among Africa’s top leagues.
