TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27 – Second Preliminary Round Fixtures
The road to the CAF Champions League group stage is taking shape, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates facing potentially challenging continental battles. The defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns are set to face Wiliete SC of Angola, while Orlando Pirates are scheduled to meet African Stars of Namibia, according to the fixture graphic. CAF's official draw initially listed these as conditional pairings, with the first-round results determining the opponents. Wiliete have since advanced after defeating Foresters, confirming their meeting with Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates’ paths to the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage
The road to the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage is taking shape, with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates facing challenging second preliminary-round ties. Defending champions Sundowns will meet Wiliete SC of Angola, while Pirates are set to face African Stars of Namibia after both teams progressed from the opening round. The second preliminary-round first legs are scheduled for 16–18 October, with return legs from 23–25 October 2026
Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko join Marumo Gallants on season-long loan deals from Orlando Pirates.
Orlando Pirates have agreed to send Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko to Marumo Gallants on loan. The move forms part of the transfer arrangement that also saw Bheki Mabuza make a permanent switch from Gallants to Pirates. The two players will now have an opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience while helping Gallants strengthen their squad
Bafana Bafana international and Durban City midfielder Ethan Brooks teases a potential collaboration with global eyewear brand Oakley
Ethan Brooks has sparked excitement among football and fashion fans after teasing a potential collaboration with major eyewear brand Oakley. The Durban City midfielder, who has represented Bafana Bafana, appears set to add another dimension to his growing profile away from the football pitch. The nature and details of the collaboration have not yet been fully revealed
Kaizer Chiefs’ reported interest in Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana as the Amakhosi look to strengthen their attack.
Kaizer Chiefs have been linked with a move for Elias Mokwana, the talented Bafana Bafana winger who recently parted ways with Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis. The 27-year-old is now assessing his options as he searches for the next chapter of his career. Although Chiefs have been linked with the player, an official announcement confirming his signing has yet to be made
Percy Tau’s potential return to South Africa amid reports linking the Bafana Bafana star with Kaizer Chiefs.
Percy Tau is once again being linked with a return to the Premier Soccer League, with Kaizer Chiefs reportedly among the clubs interested in the experienced forward. However, the viral claim that Tau has just terminated his contract with Qatar SC and has already agreed to a two-year Chiefs deal should be treated cautiously. Recent reports indicate that Tau became a free agent after leaving Vietnamese club Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, while there is no confirmed announcement from Kaizer Chiefs that a two-year contract has been signed.
Orlando Pirates officially sign Bheki Mabuza from Marumo Gallants on a permanent transfer.
Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of 23-year-old Bheki Mabuza from Marumo Gallants. The versatile player returns to the Buccaneers after previously being part of the club’s setup. Pirates have also confirmed that Daniel Msendami and Abdoulaye Mariko will join Gallants on season-long loan deals
Mamelodi Sundowns are closing in on the signing of former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele.
Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly agreed terms with former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele, who became a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Amakhosi. Reports indicate that the 29-year-old midfielder has undergone a medical and is expected to join the reigning African champions on a two-year deal with an option to extend
Lionel Messi reaches an agreement in principle to acquire Spanish second-division club CD Eldense
Football icon Lionel Messi is making another major move into club ownership after reaching an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares held by Grupo TH Soluciones, the current majority shareholder of Spanish second-tier side CD Eldense. The deal still requires final legal procedures, due diligence and approval from Spain’s National Sports Council.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ packed 2026/27 schedule and their pursuit of major domestic, continental and international honours
Mamelodi Sundowns are heading into a demanding period with several high-profile fixtures on the calendar. The Brazilians face Siwelele, Chippa United, Al Ahli SC and Orlando Pirates, while also preparing for CAF and FIFA competitions. Having won the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, Sundowns have earned their place in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, where the CAF champions enter in the second round
Mamelodi Sundowns’ remarkable run into three major finals: the CAF Super Cup, MTN8 and FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns are entering an extraordinary period in their history, with the South African champions set to compete in three high-profile finals against USM Alger, Orlando Pirates and Al Ahli Saudi FC. After winning the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, the Brazilians now have an opportunity to add even more silverware to their trophy cabinet.
Bafana Bafana’s growing injury list and the challenge facing South Africa as several key players remain unavailable.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are facing an increasingly worrying injury situation, with Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa and Bradley Cross among the players reported to be sidelined. The absences could force the technical team to reshuffle the squad and provide opportunities for other players to step up.