PSL Clubs Handed R1.6m CAF Cash Boost if They Crash Out Early in Continental Competitions

• PSL clubs have been handed a financial boost as they prepare for another demanding CAF campaign across the continent
• Several South African clubs could benefit from CAF’s latest move should their continental campaigns come to an early end
• The new financial support could ease some of the pressure that comes with travelling across Africa for continental football

Three South African clubs entering CAF competition this season have a financial safety net if their continental campaigns end early. CAF has confirmed that clubs eliminated during the preliminary rounds will receive US$100,000 (approximately R1.6 million) to help cover travel and logistical costs.

CAF confirms R1.6m payment

CAF describes the money as a solidarity payment designed to ease the financial burden of continental football. The organisation says “every club eliminated during the Preliminary Rounds” will receive the US$100,000 support.

The payment is therefore not a prize for winning or progressing. It is financial assistance for clubs whose campaigns end before the group stage.

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CAF previously paid US$50,000 under the initiative, but has now increased the amount to US$100,000 for the 2026/27 season.

Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City in action

PSL champions Orlando Pirates are competing in the CAF Champions League and face La Cure Waves of Mauritius in the First Preliminary Round.

In the Confederation Cup, Durban City face Rukinzo FC of Burundi. Kaizer Chiefs, on the other hand, have a bye into the Second Preliminary Round.

The opening preliminary-round matches take place from 4 to 6 September. The return legs will take place from 11 to 13 September.

Sundowns already through to round two

Mamelodi Sundowns will not receive the preliminary-round payment unless they are eliminated later in the preliminary stages.

The defending African champions have been given a bye into the Second Preliminary Round, where they will begin their title defence in October.

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The US$100,000 support gives eliminated clubs some financial relief, but the real target remains reaching the group stages and competing for continental silverware.

CAF faces fresh questions over African football competitions

Briefly News previously reported that CAF had to clarify conflicting reports about AFCON 2027 after claims emerged that the tournament would expand from 24 to 28 teams, confusing football fans and African football stakeholders.

CAF subsequently confirmed that the 2027 tournament will remain at 24 teams, with qualifiers scheduled to begin in September or October 2026. The competition itself will be staged in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June to July 2027.

Source: Briefly News