The South African Football Association (SAFA) has wished Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies well as they represent the country in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt.
The Brazilians are among eight clubs competing for continental honours in the tournament, which started on November 1 and will run until November 15 in Ismailia, Egypt. The South African team started the tournament moderately, holding FC Masar of Egypt to a goalless draw in the opening match at the Suez Canal Stadium.
SAFA’s message of support comes as the Tshwane-based outfit seeks to reclaim the African crown and add to its previous triumphs in 2021 and 2023.
Sundowns secured their place in the continental competition after winning the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in Botswana in August, where they defeated Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola Girls 2-1 in the final.
Their qualification once again underlined their status as one of the leading forces in African women’s football.
The team, coached by Godfrey Sapula, faces a challenging campaign against some of the continent’s strongest sides as it pursues another historic achievement for South African football.
Sundowns have been drawn in Group A alongside Egyptian representatives FC Masar, Morocco’s FUS Rabat and Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles.
The South African champions opened their campaign against FC Masar on November 1, with the match ending in a goalless draw.
They are scheduled to face Lekié Football Filles on November 4 before concluding their group-stage fixtures against FUS Rabat on November 7.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for November 11, with the final set for November 15.
The competition presents Sundowns with an opportunity to reassert their continental dominance after missing the 2025 edition, which was won by Morocco’s AS FAR.
Beyond the ambition of reclaiming the trophy, the Brazilians will also be looking to secure a place in the qualifying round of the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, which will offer the African champions an opportunity to compete against leading clubs from other confederations.
Sundowns’ continental experience, combined with their strong domestic performances and successful COSAFA campaign, gives them a solid foundation as they pursue their ambitions in Egypt.
However, they will need consistency, tactical discipline and clinical finishing to navigate the group stage and progress towards the knockout rounds.
For South African football, their participation represents another opportunity to showcase the country’s growing strength in the women’s game and inspire the next generation of female footballers.
The team will be hoping to make the most of the opportunity and bring the continental trophy back home.