Giants strengthen squads ahead of CAF interclub season - Shalulile and Benjdida lead major transfers
Africa’s leading clubs have stepped up their transfer business ahead of the 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, with several high-profile signings expected to shape the new interclub season.
With the preliminary rounds draw set to define the first stage of the continental campaign, clubs across the continent have moved quickly to strengthen their squads.
Young Africans, Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, Petro Atlético, Orlando Pirates, Club Africain, Al Merrikh, Al Hilal and Medeama SC are among the clubs to have made notable additions before the new season.
The signings underline the growing ambition of African clubs as they prepare for another demanding campaign in the continent’s two biggest club competitions.
Shalulile joins Yanga
Tanzanian champions Young Africans have completed one of the most eye-catching deals of the window by signing Namibian striker Peter Shalulile.
The forward arrives after a successful spell with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he became one of the most prolific goalscorers in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League.
His move to Yanga is expected to add experience, movement and proven finishing to a team aiming to make a deeper impact in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
For Yanga, the signing is also a statement of intent.
They have been among East Africa’s strongest clubs in recent seasons, and Shalulile’s arrival gives them another major weapon in attack.
Al Ahly add attacking firepower
Record African champions Al Ahly have also been active in the market, adding two major forwards to their squad.
The Egyptian giants signed Moroccan league top scorer Soufiane Benjdida from Maghreb de Fes in a deal worth USD 2.5 million.
They then completed another important move by bringing in Algerian international striker Mounsef Bakrar from Dinamo Zagreb for USD 3 million.
The pair are expected to strengthen Al Ahly’s attacking options as the club targets another continental title.
Al Ahly’s transfer activity reflects their usual ambition: to remain the standard-bearers in African club football.
Sundowns, Pirates and Petro strengthen
Mamelodi Sundowns have responded with a notable signing of their own, bringing in winger Antonio Van Wyk from Austrian side SV Ried in a deal reportedly worth USD 1 million.
The South African champions remain one of the continent’s most consistent sides and will again be expected to challenge strongly.
Orlando Pirates have also reinforced their frontline with the signing of Norwegian attacker Sebastian Pedersen.
In Angola, Petro Atlético have added experience by signing former Leeds United and Valencia forward Hélder Costa.
His European background is expected to strengthen Petro’s push for greater continental success.
North African moves draw attention
In Tunisia, Club Africain completed one of the biggest domestic deals by signing experienced Tunisia international defender Yassine Meriah from rivals Espérance de Tunis.
The move adds defensive quality and leadership to Club Africain ahead of the new season.
In Morocco, Maghreb de Fes have acted quickly after losing Benjdida to Al Ahly by recruiting South African striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Libyan champions Swehly SC have also strengthened, signing Tunisia defender Nader Ghandri from Russian club Akhmat Grozny.
Ghanaian and East African talents on the move
Sudanese giants Al Merrikh have signed Kenyan Premier League Player of the Season Enock Morrison from Gor Mahia.
Their rivals Al Hilal SC have also made a major move by bringing in Ghanaian midfielder Salim Adams from Medeama SC.
Adams earned attention through strong performances in the Ghana Premier League and on the continental stage.
Medeama, meanwhile, have reinforced their own squad by signing Sudan national team goalkeeper Monged El Neel.
His arrival gives the Ghanaian champions added experience in goal before another campaign in African club football.
New arrivals under pressure to deliver
The 2026/27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup are expected to be highly competitive, and these transfers have increased expectations.
For the new arrivals, the challenge will be immediate.
Big signings are often judged quickly in continental football, especially when clubs are targeting group-stage qualification and deep knockout runs.
The preliminary rounds will provide the first test.
Across Africa, the transfer market has already raised anticipation.
Now the players must turn reputation into performances.