South Africa’s Sundowns Lead Top 3 Clubs in 2025 CAF Rankings Ahead of Interclub Draws

South Africa’s Sundowns Lead Top 3 Clubs in 2025 CAF Rankings Ahead of Interclub Draws

  • Mamelodi Sundowns lead South Africa’s charge in the 2025 CAF Clubs’ Rankings, securing second place on the continent with 62 points ahead of the CAF Interclub draws
  • Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs rank 15th and 50th, respectively, showing varying continental fortunes, but both are eager to make an impact in the upcoming CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup
  • Rising South African clubs Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants also feature in the rankings, signalling growing depth in the country’s continental football presence

As the CAF Interclub draws loom on Saturday in Dar es Salaam, South Africa’s leading football clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates, prepare to assert their continental credentials amid fierce competition across Africa.

The latest CAF Clubs’ Ranking for 2025, released on Friday, confirms Mamelodi Sundowns as the continent’s second-best team with 62 points, reinforcing their status as a dominant force in Southern Africa and perennial contenders for the CAF Champions League title.

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Trailing behind in the rankings, Orlando Pirates hold a respectable 15th place with 30 points, while Kaizer Chiefs sit just outside the top 50 at 50th with 4 points, reflecting a mixed recent continental record but ambitions to climb higher in African football’s elite circle.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Southern Africa’s Continental Powerhouse

Mamelodi Sundowns have continued their impressive form on the African stage, building on a legacy of consistent performances in CAF competitions.

Their current ranking highlights their steady accumulation of points from recent campaigns, making them a formidable opponent in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup seasons.

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Sundowns’ continental pedigree not only boosts South Africa’s football stature but also provides crucial seeding advantages in the upcoming draw, where rankings determine pot allocations and potential matchups.

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs: Hungry for African Glory

Orlando Pirates, who secured 30 points, maintain their position among Africa’s competitive clubs, driven by their recent performances and ambitions to regain the glory days of continental success. Positioned in the middle tier of the rankings, the Buccaneers are well poised to challenge stronger opponents and make deeper runs in the tournaments.

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Kaizer Chiefs, despite a current points tally of just 4, represent one of South Africa’s most historic and popular football institutions. Chiefs will be aiming to improve their continental footprint and capitalize on the draw to revive their campaign ambitions and advance further into the competitions.

South Africa’s Rising Clubs Show Promise

Beyond the top three, South Africa’s Stellenbosch FC and Marumo Gallants FC also appear in the rankings, signaling growing depth in the country’s club football. Stellenbosch, ranked joint 21st with 15 points, stand out as a club on the rise with increasing exposure to continental competition.

As the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup seasons approach, the stakes are high. South Africa’s clubs, backed by passionate support and a rich football culture, will be eager to make their mark on the African stage.

CAF Clubs’ Ranking Snapshot: South Africa’s Top Contenders

Mamelodi Sundowns — 62 points (2nd overall)

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Orlando Pirates — 30 points (15th overall)

Kaizer Chiefs — 4 points (50th overall)

Stellenbosch FC — 15 points

Marumo Gallants FC — 9 points

With the draws scheduled for Saturday at 13:00 local time in Dar es Salaam, all eyes will be on how these South African giants are positioned — and the potential paths they face — in the continent’s premier club competitions.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a passionate sports journalist with six years of experience covering African and global sports. Harrison provides sharp analysis, engaging commentary, and compelling storytelling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za