Scheduled to kick off on Friday, October 20, 2023, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the AFL’s opening match will showcase Simba SC from Tanzania facing off against Al Ahly SC from Egypt.

The Prize Money for the AFL is as follows:
$4 000 000 (R75 Million) for the Winner
$3 000 000 (R56 Million) for the Runner-up
$1 700 000 (R32 Million) for each of the Semi-finalists
$1 000 000 (R18.9 Million) for each of the Quarter-finalists

The prize money at stake is remarkably attractive and competitive, with the winners needing just six matches to claim the substantial prize pool of $4,000,000.

Among the notable and top-ranking football clubs participating in this inaugural AFL edition are Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Wydad AC (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia) and Atletico Petroleos de Luanda (Angola).

The AFL represents a collaborative effort between CAF and FIFA. One of its primary objectives is to elevate the quality of African club football to a global competitive level and ensure the commercial viability of African football clubs.

Additionally, the AFL aims to foster the development and nurturing of youth football talent across the African continent.
CAF’s overarching goal is to ensure that all 54 CAF Member Associations, including those without representation in the AFL, benefit and receive financial support from the commercial success and viability of this prestigious tournament

Sundowns will host the Burundian side in the Caf Champions League, preliminary round, second leg.

The 2016 Caf Champions League winners head into this encounter with a commanding 4-0 lead; Lucas Ribeiro was the catalyst, opening the scoring as early as the 12th minute and later securing a brace in the second half.

Lesiba Nku and Peter Shalulile also joined the scoring fray to expand the lead. Despite their advantageous position, Coetzee, anticipates a challenging second leg match.

“This is the Champions League, there is never an easy game even though we are 4-0 up after the first leg,” said Coetzee.

“We continue to prepare for every game the same because it’s the culture of the club and we want to win every match, so we will go into this match with the same mentality.

“It’s a whole new game so I think Bumamuru FC will come out maybe a little bit more aggressive than they did in the first leg because they know what they have to overcome if they want to go through.

“We also know what we need to do because it’s our duty to the club and ourselves to put us in the group stages,” the player adds.

Last year, Wydad Casablanca eliminated Sundowns with an aggregate score of 2-2. Coetzee reflected on their semi-final clash and expressed their team’s strong determination to prevent a recurrence of that outcome.

“We all felt the pain of what happened last season, we were so close. It’s not like we lost a game, that’s why we went out of the Champions League, we went out based on the away goal rule. That will be a learning curve for us this season.”

“This year we are preparing to go into the first leg to win and try to kill the game off as we have done now in this preliminary round. We also know that this is the Champions League, it’s never over until the final whistle.

“Even with a 4-0 scoreline, we are still preparing for the second leg the same way we prepare for any other game,” Rivaldo concluded.

The second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round against Bumamuru FC will take place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday evening.

The forthcoming MTN8 final, featuring a thrilling clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, is set to commence at 18h00PM.

Gates will open to eager fans at 14h00PM, ensuring everyone has ample time to soak in the pre-match atmosphere.

Orlando Pirates earned their spot in the final by triumphing over Stellenbosch, while Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place by eliminating Kaizer Chiefs in an entertaining semi-final.

For those eager to secure their spot in the stadium and witness the action firsthand, tickets are now available for purchase at Ticketpro outlets across the country. Each ticket is priced at R100.

Despite falling behind early in the match, goals from Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, and Siyabonga Mabena proved sufficient to reverse the deficit and maintain Bafana Ba Style’s perfect record in domestic league fixtures this season.

In the wake of their weekend triumph over Kaizer Chiefs in the MTN8 competition, Mokwena executed a strategic rotation of his squad. He later commended the substituted players for their commendable performances, which greatly contributed to the team’s triumphant outcome.

“It was a difficult game against a very good side, you know they are a team that can defend a 1-0,” Mokwena said after the match.

“I was a little bit unhappy about conceding because it’s something that we worked on, but we came back and we showed good character to come back and make it 1-1.”

“To go 2–1 up at halftime was a very good demonstration of the mentality of this group, and we kept playing, which is good because it’s not easy to keep playing against this Stellenbosh team, the are very well coached.”

“It was a good performance especially when you consider the number rotations, Reyaad Pieterse came in, [Bongani] Zungu, got good minutes & so did Mosa Lebusa. Lebo [Maboe] came in after a long long time out and did well. Thapelo Morena and Thapelo Maseko [did well] and it was good to see the young [Siyabonga] Mabena scoring.”

okwena’s team celebrated a remarkable achievement as they secured their 32nd consecutive unbeaten game in the league, establishing a new league record for the longest undefeated streak during the PSL era.

The Sundowns coach couldn’t contain his joy and expressed his immense pride in the club’s remarkable journey to reach this historic milestone.

“I’m very proud of the players, and the technical team. We’re very proud of our supporters, for staying for so long and singing and helping the players. We have a big sense of appreciation.
“And [congratulations to] everybody from senior management to backroom staff and everyone involved, it’s a big, big result against the only side to have beaten us so far.”

The match was a heavyweight battle that remained tense throughout and was ultimately decided by Peter Shalulile’s impressive performance, netting two crucial goals – one at the start and one at the end of the first half.

Sundowns got off to a dream start, with Peter Shalulile capitalizing on Brandon Petersen’s clearance attempt just 10 seconds after kick-off. Shalulile executed a brilliant finish from a tight angle, putting the hosts 1-0 up on the day and 2-1 ahead on aggregate.

Kaizer Chiefs had their first genuine chance in the 16th minute when Ashley Du Preez’s pace took him free down the inside right channel, but he couldn’t find the target from a tight angle.

However, they were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute when Sipho Mbule’s attempt to clear a corner resulted in a handball. Du Preez stepped up to the spot and beat Ronwen Williams, making it 1-1 on the day and 2-2 overall.

As halftime approached, Sundowns struck again in added time. A counter-attack led to Lucas Ribeiro delivering an intelligent cross from the left of the box to find Shalulile, who scored with a close-range header. This put Sundowns 2-1 up in the game and 3-2 ahead on aggregate.

The second half saw changes from both teams, with Sundowns improving their counter-attacking ability and Chiefs bolstering their forward line. Chiefs created a promising opportunity on the 62nd minute when Du Preez unleashed a shot towards goal, but Williams made an excellent save with his legs to maintain Sundowns’ lead.

Chiefs continued to press for an equalizer and had a strong case for a penalty denied in injury time when Mduduzi Mdantsane appeared to be fouled in the box by Thapelo Maseko. However, the referee ignored the appeals for a second penalty, despite television replays suggesting that Chiefs had a legitimate claim.

Sundowns now await the winner of the Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC semifinal, set to take place on Sunday, September 24. The MTN8 final is scheduled for Saturday, October 7, where Sundowns will aim to secure the trophy.

Following a 1-1 draw in the initial leg at FNB Stadium, the stage is set for Sundowns to host Chiefs at Lucas Moripe Stadium in the return fixture.

“Everything is on the cup,” Ntseki told the Chiefs website. “It’s a cup we feel we have to do well in and we have to win. But you can’t win the cup if you don’t play in the final. That’s why we say it’s a semifinal, but for us it’s a cup final, because we need this cup and have to be in the final.

“The players are looking sharp and very positive going into this game. It will be more of a mental, highly tactical and demanding game.

“From within the club, and from us as individuals, the objective is to see ourselves in the final and hopefully winning the final.”

Chiefs lost 1-0 to Supersport United in a DStv Premiership match on Wednesday while Mamelodi Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 1-0.

Ntseki insist that Amakhosi will keep relatively the same squad that played against Supersport United.

“We don’t have any injuries sustained in the last game and we will largely keep 99% of the same squad we had against SuperSport, as we feel they did very well even if we did not get maximum points from that game.

“It’s going to be a tough one, we always look at Sundowns to be a very good competitor, when it comes to the game itself.

“The competition will be more on the pitch and more about the tactics the two clubs will be deploying. We have done our preparations and we are looking forward to implementing the tactical ideas we have. It’s a cup final.”
By Zola Doda

Sundowns will host Kaizer Chiefs in the second leg of the MTN8 semifinal at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Khuliso Mudau’s last-gasp equalizer secured a 1-1 draw during the first leg at FNB Stadium and Mokwena believes the tie is far from over.

“It’s a small advantage, but it is an advantage that we worked very hard to get,” Mokwena says.
“However, it means nothing if we don’t perform in the second half, which consists of the next 90 minutes of the tie.

“We were pleased with the equalizer we achieved in the first leg. At Sundowns, our goal is always to try to win every game, regardless of the advantage or disadvantage we may have had.

“The attitude at this great club is always focused on winning and that is our mentality. We will strive to win the game on Saturday, even though it may be very challenging,” says Mokwena.

Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in the league on Wednesday while Amakhosi suffered a 1-0 defeat to Supersport United.

But despite the winless streak of four matches, the Sundowns coach believes that Molefi Ntseki’s side remains a formidable force.

“To be honest, they are a very good side with some excellent players who create lots of chances,” adds Mokwena.

“They do very well with the ball from the wings and they are a threat any day, any time. Their midfield options are always strong as well, which gives them some form of dynamism, so we have to be well-prepared. I am sure they say the same about us and they should also be well-prepared to face us,” Mokwena added.

Sundowns has won seven matches in as many matches with the last victory coming against Orlando Pirates.

“The league is highly competitive and every match day brings a multitude of surprises,” Mokwena said.

“Winning games in the league is no small task, which is why I believe my team does not always get the credit they deserve. We are continually working to enhance our game.

“However, we have faced various challenges presented by different teams, including those that are highly physical and those with complex tactical setups.

“There are no straightforward matches and we invest a lot of effort to achieve the desired results.”
The Sundowns mentor has also praised Chilean international, Marcelo Allende, for his contribution.

“Marcelo possesses an array of incredible attributes. Firstly, he has an exceptional footballing mind and I believe he has the potential to become a top coach someday.

“The level of tactical discussions I have with Marcelo truly stimulates my thinking. He is also surrounded by top-notch players and it is a case of ‘iron sharpens iron.’

“There are certain things a coach cannot take credit for and this is one of them. Secondly, he is an outstanding human being and it is the little things he does off the pitch that thrill me on so many occasions.”
By Zola Doda

This defeat was the first time Orlando Pirates had lost at home this season and their first league fixture since late August.

The game began at a slow pace, with both teams mainly focusing on ball possession in the midfield.
The first notable chance was a penalty awarded to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 9th minute after Siphelo Baloni fouled Themba Zwane inside the box. Lucas Ribeiro successfully converted the penalty to give the visitors the lead.

Orlando Pirates tried to equalize but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Sundowns had a chance late in the first half when Zwane tested Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine.

The Buccaneers showed more determination in the second half, with Thabang Monare’s header from inside the box being one of their first real efforts at goal.

In the 62nd minute, Patrick Maswanganyi had a shot at goal that was parried by the Sundowns goalkeeper, but Zakhele Lepasa couldn’t convert the rebound.

Substitute Lesedi Kapinga had a free-kick opportunity in the 69th minute, but his effort was saved by the Sundowns goalkeeper.

In the dying moments of the game, Orlando Pirates made several attempts to equalize but were unsuccessful.

As a result of this defeat, Orlando Pirates dropped to 11th place in the league standings.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper recently played a key role in her team’s qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League and their victory in the regional COSAFA title without a single loss.

At 31 years old, Dlamini is considered to be at the peak of her career and is looking forward to adding more accolades to her already impressive list of achievements at the CAF Women’s Champions League in Cote d’Ivoire in 2023.

“I really think the standard of women’s football goalkeeping is improving in Africa. We just need more young female goalkeepers to follow in our foot-steps so that our department can be even more solid” the shot-stopper told Cafonline.com from USA where she is preparing to face the former FIFA Women’s World Cup champions in an international friendly match on September 21.

The Banyana Banyana goalkeeper also spoke about the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League.

“It means the world to us as a team. We have another opportunity to go fight for the trophy, we look forward to the journey in Cote d’ivoire.

“We play each and every game with hopes of wanting to win it. We played the CAF qualifiers hoping to win it and we did.

“We take one game at a time and while we do so, we focus on the present. We will focus on CAF when we channel there for now, it is about getting the mindset right, converting the chances we get and keeping a clean sheet.” said Dlamini.