AFL Returns: Sundowns Ready, But What About Chiefs & Pirates?

The return of the African Football League (AFL) later this year has once again sparked questions around which clubs could form part of the revamped competition, with uncertainty still surrounding whether South African giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates would qualify for the tournament.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed this week that the AFL will make its comeback after the inaugural edition in 2023 was temporarily shelved due to commercial and sponsorship challenges.

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The first edition featured only eight clubs, despite the original vision being a 24-team competition, with clubs selected based on continental rankings and regional representation over a five-year period.

That criteria heavily favoured Mamelodi Sundowns at the time, with the Tshwane giants having dominated the league domestically by winning five consecutive league titles, while also maintaining a strong CAF Champions League presence. Sundowns ultimately went on to win the inaugural AFL title.

Now, although Motsepe has confirmed the competition’s return, the finer details around qualification and participation remain unclear, especially regarding how the expanded 24-team format will be structured.

That uncertainty leaves clubs like Chiefs and Pirates in limbo.

Pirates have enjoyed stronger continental performances in recent seasons and remain regular contenders domestically, while Chiefs have endured a difficult period with inconsistent finishes and limited CAF participation. Whether historic stature, commercial pull, CAF coefficient rankings, or recent performances will determine qualification remains to be seen.

Motsepe insisted CAF would not rush into agreements that undervalue African football financially.

“The African Football League will continue later during the year,” Motsepe said.

“We are not going to conclude an agreement for the African Football League or any other competition without being satisfied that we are getting the compensation, resources, and funding that African football deserves.”

For now, Sundowns appear almost certain to remain central figures in the competition, but whether Chiefs and Pirates will join them on the AFL stage is still unanswered.

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