Following the conclusion of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary rounds this past weekend, all four South African teams have learned their opponents for the next stage.

Orlando Pirates decisively defeated CS Disciples of Madagascar 4-0 on aggregate, securing their place in the second round of the Champions League. Pirates will now face Jwaneng Galaxy, the Botswana champions, in a two-legged tie next month.

This match is expected to be particularly intense for Pirates, who were eliminated by the same opponent at the same stage last season via a penalty shootout.

Mamelodi Sundowns, who received a bye due to their high ranking in the CAF standings, will face Mbabane Swallows of Eswatini. Both matches will be played in South Africa as Eswatini lacks stadiums that meet CAF’s standards, as it stands.

In the Confederation Cup, Sekhukhune United, who also received a bye after reaching the group stages last season, will face C.D. Luanda from Angola. Stellenbosch, who convincingly defeated Nsingizini Hotspurs of Eswatini 8-0 on aggregate in the preliminary round (with all matches played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban), will face the Congolese giants AS Vita Club.

The winners of these ties will advance to the group stages. South African fans hope to see four South African teams in the group stages of CAF club competitions this season, following the success of three teams last year.