Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Teko Modise believes the CAF Champions League is the most prestigious trophy for African giants this season, even surpassing the African Football League (AFL).

Modise argues that while Sundowns are on the verge of winning the domestic league and the Nedbank Cup, the Champions League holds the most significance. He acknowledges Sundowns’ victory in the pilot project of the AFL last year against Wydad Casablanca, but emphasizes that the Champions League carries greater weight. After all, Modise himself lifted the Champions League trophy with Sundowns in 2016.

Since that triumph, Sundowns haven’t replicated their success, experiencing quarter-final and semi-final exits. Currently, they face another semi-final challenge against Tunisian side Esperance, aiming to erase the disappointment of last season’s defeat to Wydad – a team they’ve never beaten away from home. With Wydad out of the running this year, Modise sees a golden opportunity for Sundowns to reclaim the “holy grail” of African football.

“If I have to choose the trophy, I will choose the Champions League,” declared Modise during an exclusive event with his partner HollywoodBets in Durban. “It grants automatic seeding in the AFL, making it easier to navigate the knockout stages by avoiding other top teams. Ultimately, it increases your chances of winning.”

Modise admits that even during their championship run, the full significance of the Champions League wasn’t fully grasped until they achieved victory. He highlights the platform it provides, stating, “It’s one of the biggest stages on the continent. Some players might never play for the national team, but Champions League experience equips them whenever they do get called up.”

As an example, Modise points to the Bafana Bafana squad dominated by Sundowns players. This group, he argues, capitalized on their Champions League experience to secure a historic bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in February, the first for South Africa in 24 years. Modise concludes by confidently stating, “We saw the impact [of the Champions League] at AFCON.”