South African clubs Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch FC are all in action this weekend as they contest the first legs of their second preliminary round ties across the CAF Interclub competitions — just one step away from the group stages.

Competing on the African continent is never easy, particularly away from home, and each side faces a demanding challenge in their bid to progress. Here’s a look at their upcoming fixtures:

Remo Stars vs Mamelodi Sundowns
CAF Champions League – October 19, 17:00 (SAST)

Sundowns face a tough trip to West Africa to meet Nigerian champions Remo Stars — arguably one of the trickiest opponents they could have drawn at this stage. Despite being South Africa’s most successful side in the CAF Champions League, Sundowns will still feel they have underdelivered since their 2016 triumph, having fallen short in several recent campaigns. Last season, they were beaten in the final by Egypt’s Pyramids FC, despite being favourites.

This marks Sundowns’ 19th participation in the competition since their debut in 1994, and they’ve been ever-present since 2015. Their record in Nigeria, however, is less encouraging — three visits, three losses: 2-0 to Julius Berger (2001), 3-1 to Enyimba (2016), and 2-1 to Lobi Stars (2018/19). A draw would be a solid result before the return leg in Pretoria, where the Brazilians have lost just three of their 84 Champions League home matches.

Saint Eloi Lupopo vs Orlando Pirates
CAF Champions League – October 19, 15:00 (SAST)

Orlando Pirates, semi-finalists last season, will be eager to go one better this time after also falling to Pyramids FC. The Buccaneers — champions in 1995 — have a storied history in Africa but have struggled for consistency in recent years. Their strong domestic form this season fuels optimism that they could challenge for continental honours again.

Pirates travel to Lubumbashi, DR Congo, for a testing clash against Saint Eloi Lupopo. Away fixtures in central Africa often come with complications both on and off the field, and mental focus will be key. Pirates and Lupopo have never met before, but the Congolese side has a poor record against South African opposition — just one win in eight matches (D2 L5), a 2-0 home success over SuperSport United in 2005, before losing the tie on penalties.

Simba vs Kaizer Chiefs
CAF Confederation Cup – October 18, 15:00 (SAST)

Chiefs join their Soweto rivals in Lubumbashi for their own Confederation Cup test against Congolese side Simba — not to be confused with the Tanzanian club of the same name that reached last year’s final. Historically, Chiefs have not prioritized continental competition, often fielding weakened teams, but this season appears different. They have already survived a tough test against Angola’s Kabuscorp, advancing on penalties.

Scoring remains their biggest concern, and they’ll face a defensively solid Simba side. Chiefs may benefit from their opponents’ lack of match sharpness — Simba haven’t started their domestic season and have played little competitive football since June. The Congolese outfit beat Djabal Club 3-0 on aggregate in the previous round. Chiefs’ only prior meeting with Congolese opposition came in 2014, losing 3-2 on aggregate to AS Vita Club after a heavy 3-0 away defeat in the first leg.

Primeiro de Agosto vs Stellenbosch FC
CAF Confederation Cup – October 18, 16:00 (SAST)

Stellenbosch FC face a demanding assignment against Angolan giants Primeiro de Agosto, with the first leg away from home. A draw in Luanda would be a strong outcome for Steve Barker’s men. Agosto have a formidable record against South African sides, eliminating Bidvest Wits from the Champions League in 2018 and doing the double over Orlando Pirates in the 1997 group stage.

Stellenbosch’s league form has been inconsistent, but they’ve impressed in knockout competitions — reaching the MTN8 final and advancing in the Carling Knockout after defeating Chiefs. Despite regularly losing key players in transfer windows, Barker continues to rebuild effectively. Stellies reached the Confederation Cup semi-finals last season, narrowly losing to Simba (Tanzania) in a tie they could have won with sharper finishing.

With all four clubs eyeing progression to the group stages, South Africa’s hopes on the continental stage rest on their ability to grind out results away from home — no easy feat, but a true test of their mettle.