AFL to be fifth continental competition for PSL clubs

The new African Football League (AFL) will be the fifth CAF club competition that South African sides have competed in since their first entrance into continental football in 1993.

Mamelodi Sundowns will represent the country in the lucrative competition that will only feature eight teams in its inaugural year but is expected to grow in the seasons to come.

They have, in many ways, been the shining light on the continent for South Africa in the last two decades, so deserve their shot at the R80-million first prize.

Sundowns debut against Angolan side Petro Atletico in a two-legged quarterfinal that starts on Saturday, playing away in Luanda first before returning home for the second leg on Wednesday.

We take a look at the other competitions South African clubs have competed in.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Winners: Orlando Pirates (1995), Mamelodi Sundowns (2016)

Record: P351 W171 D91 L89 GF536 GA310

Sundowns have been by far and away the side to represent South Africa the most in the elite African competition having played 145 of their 351 games over 17 seasons of competing. Orlando Pirates are the second most frequent competitors with 86 games over 12 campaigns, while Kaizer Chiefs are third with 40 matches in six participations. In all, 11 South African clubs have featured in the Champions League, Chiefs the first in 1993 and the newest entrant Cape Town City last season. Pirates, Sundowns and Chiefs have all also lost in the final.

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

Winners: None

Record: P227 W98 D56 L73 GF344 GA246

There has never been a South African winner of Africa’s secondary club competition that was first introduced in 2004, though Pirates (twice) and SuperSport United have twice made the final without success. SuperSport have