“Masandawana has joined the big league!” As CAF prepares for the Africa Super League in August, Mamelodi Sundowns is set to take the field with six other teams, including Petro de Luanda, Mazembe, Horoya, Wydad Athletic Club, Simba SC, and Esperance de Tunis. Sundowns has reportedly agreed to join the new league, with FIFA and Super League representatives inspecting the selected stadiums and facilities. The tournament was initially proposed to include 24 teams from 16 countries, but this was reduced to just eight clubs.
However, Raja Athletic Club, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs are notably absent, as they opted out. Ahly initially looked like they might join in but recently denied the rumors circulating about it, instead opting for the Arab Champions Cup tournament.
It’s still unclear if the participating clubs will receive the previously stated $1 million for their involvement or if the prize money pool will remain at $100 million, as initially proposed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. While the details of the league are still hazy, there are whispers that the winning team may secure a place in the newly extended FIFA Club World Cup, which would offer four slots for African teams by 2025. Nevertheless, there has been no indication that the conventional CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup tournaments will be abolished.”
