Eight clubs set for inaugural for Africa Super League

By Lorenz Kohler, JOHANNESBURG, South Africa

Mamelodi Sundowns are set to be one of eight clubs in the newly formed Africa Super League by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) set to begin in August.

Sundowns are said to have accepted the invitation, with selected FIFA and Super League delegates meeting with the club this past week, as per MTN FC reports.

While details have been discreet on the tournament, it’s been suggested the originally proposed 24 teams from 16 countries have been cut down to eight teams.

In the process, the eight clubs have been paid visits for inspection of their facilities, selected stadiums to participate, and liaise over the final details of their participation.

Raja Athletic Club, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are among the high-profile clubs not to take part, with the Botola Pro giants replaced by TP Mazembe.

Petro de Luanda (Angola), Mazembe (DR Congo), Horoya (Guinea), Wydad Atheltic Club (Morocco), Simba SC (Tanzania) and Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) are set to make part of the eight clubs including Masandawana.

It’s unclear if each club will still receive the $1-million agreement for taking part or whether the total prize money pool remains at $100-million as part of the initial proposal laid out by CAF President Patrice Motsepe when it was stated it would be a 24-team tournament.

There have been reports in Egyptian media that Ahly would look to snub the invite in favour of the Arab Champions Cup tournament, however, it’s been dispelled as fake news from the hierarchy of the club as of now.

The format is likely to see a single group of home and away fixtures during the course of the 2023/24 domestic season with suggestions the winner will earn a spot in the newly extended FIFA Club World Cup, with four spots available for Africa in 2025.

As things stand, there’s been no indication that it will end the traditional CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup tournaments.