CAF Confederation Cup: Chiefs and Stellenbosch Bank Minimum $400,000

Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch pocket $400,000 after CAF Confederation Cup qualification

Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch qualify for CAF Confederation Cup group phase, securing a minimum of $400,000.

Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch have secured a significant financial windfall after qualifying for the African Confederation Cup group phase...

Orlando Pirates' exit from the CAF Champions League comes with a hefty price tag - a loss of approximately US$600,000. The team's impressive comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the first leg ultimately fell short, as they lost to Saint Eloi Lupopo in a penalty shootout.

The elimination is a significant financial setback for Pirates, especially when compared to their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch, who are set to receive a boost in their budgets through prize money from African club competitions. Pirates had high hopes of advancing to the group stages, but the loss dashes those dreams and leaves a substantial gap in their finances.

The minimum prize money for participating in the Champions League group phase is $777,883 for a draw, while a win can earn a team $2.3 million. The winner of the competition can earn up to $27.8 million. However, some teams like the Pirates will only receive $100,000 for participating in this year's Champions League, which may not even cover their costs of playing two rounds of preliminary knockout competition.

Participating in the Champions League can be a costly affair, and teams like the Pirates may struggle to break even. Despite the potential for significant prize money, the costs of chartering planes, accommodation, and other expenses can add up quickly. In the Pirates' case, their participation in the Champions League may ultimately result in a financial loss.

Clubs eliminated from African club competitions before the group phase will receive $100,000, a significant increase from the $50,000 offered last season. However, this amount pales in comparison to the substantial prizes awarded to the 16 teams that advance to the group stage, with potential earnings ranging from $400,000 for teams eliminated in the group phase to $4 million for the winner. For instance, Orlando Pirates would receive $100,000 if eliminated before the group phase, while the winner of the Champions League would earn $4 million.

☠️ FT | @orlandopirates 3 - 0 @fcsteloilupopo Agg: 3 (4) - 3 (5)]

🎤 Kabelo Dlamini

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/oFFGgNKatK

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) October 25, 2025

Financial Success for Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns raked in significant earnings, including $2 million as runners-up in the Champions League last season. Their participation in the Club World Cup in the U.S. brought in over $10 million, a substantial boost to their finances. The team's consistent performance in the Champions League over the previous four years paved the way for their qualification for the prestigious tournament.

Sundowns secured their spot in the Champions League group phase for an impressive 11th consecutive season after a convincing 7-1 aggregate win over Remo Stars of Nigeria. This achievement underscores the team's dominance and consistency in African club competitions. With their strong football and financial muscle, Sundowns continue to be a force to be reckoned with in African football.

Financial Boost for Chiefs and Stellenbosch

Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch have secured a significant financial windfall after qualifying for the African Confederation Cup group phase. Both teams will receive a minimum of $400,000 for reaching the group stage, but their total earnings could increase substantially depending on their performance in the competition.

The Confederation of African Football's new prize money structure, introduced last year, offers substantial rewards for teams that progress through the competition. As teams navigate the tournament, they can earn more money, potentially exceeding the initial $400,000 guarantee. The exact prize money amounts for each stage of the competition are as follows:

• Group Stage: $400,000 (guaranteed)
• Further Stages: Potentially more, depending on performance and progression

The increased prize money is expected to have a positive impact on African football, enabling teams to invest in player development, infrastructure, and other essential areas. This, in turn, could lead to improved performances and increased competitiveness in the competition.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has significantly increased the prize money for its two flagship competitions, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup. The latest hike saw a 40% improvement in prize money, underscoring CAF's commitment to enhancing the financial stability and competitiveness of African club football.

Ashi nthwela, Masandawana! 🔥🔥

Quality goals, great football, and top-class teamwork from Bafana Ba Style. 🙌#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL #AreyengMasandawana pic.twitter.com/l05bNwVK01

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) October 27, 2025

In addition to the prize money for each stage, teams that qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League will receive $700,000, while those that qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage will receive $400,000. Teams eliminated in the preliminary round will receive a total of $100,000, comprising an initial $50,000 participation grant and an additional $50,000.

Prize Money Breakdown for Confederation Cup

The prize money structure for the Confederation Cup has been revised. Here are the updated figures:

• Winner: $2 million

• Runner-up: $1 million

• Semi-finalists: $750,000

• Quarter-finalists: $550,000

Group Stage Elimination:

• Third place: $400,000
• Fourth place: $300,000 is incorrect; instead teams that finish 3rd and 4th will receive $400,000 and an unspecified lesser amount isn't mentioned but for group stage finishers the amount is $400,000 for 3rd place and no clear figure for 4th but another source indicates $300,000 for 4th place in group stage.

Total Prize Pool

The total prize pool for the Confederation Cup is expected to be substantial, reflecting the competition's growing importance in African football. Although the exact total isn't specified in the context provided for the current season, the prizes mentioned for different stages amount to significant figures, indicating a considerable investment in the tournament.