Sundowns lead star-studded field as TotalEnergies CAF Champions League draw takes centre stage

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns will be among the leading names awaiting their opponents when the preliminary-round draws for the 2026-27 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup are conducted in Cairo on Thursday.

The draw will officially begin the journey towards the group stages of Africa’s two major club competitions, with former champions, domestic title holders and emerging continental challengers all set to learn their opening assignments.

Sundowns enter the Champions League as the team to beat after lifting the trophy last season.

The South African champions will attempt to retain the title and become the first club from their country to successfully defend the crown in the modern Champions League era.

Orlando Pirates will provide further South African interest, with the Johannesburg club looking to continue their resurgence on the domestic and continental stages.