Kaizer Chiefs Shockingly Drop Out of Africa’s Top 50 Despite Unbeaten PSL Start
Kaizer Chiefs have suffered a dramatic fall in the latest African club rankings, underscoring the challenge of translating domestic dominance into continental success. While Amakhosi have impressed in the Betway Premiership, their African standing tells a very different story.
Chiefs Slip Outside Africa’s Top 100
The latest FootballDatabase rankings reveal that Kaizer Chiefs have tumbled from 50th to 112th in Africa, a shocking 72-place drop. This steep decline comes after missing out on the CAF Champions League last season, leaving the Soweto giants without crucial continental points.
Despite their unbeaten start in the PSL, Chiefs remain 102nd in Africa, highlighting the gap between their domestic resurgence and historic reputation on the continent. Their return to CAF competition via the 2025/26 Confederation Cup, earned by winning the Nedbank Cup, offers a chance to rebuild credibility. Chiefs will face Angolan side Kabuscorp on September 19, immediately after the FIFA international break. Interestingly, Kabuscorp currently rank 94th, eight spots above Chiefs despite being less high-profile.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs Sink Pirates 2-1 to Win 2024/25 Nedbank Cup
Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns Soar in Africa
While Chiefs slide, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have climbed impressively in the African rankings. Pirates soared 115 places, moving from 129th to 14th, while Sundowns jumped 17 spots from 19th to second, making them the highest-ranked South African club on the continent.
These movements reflect consistent continental participation, showing how regular CAF competition is crucial for maintaining and improving African rankings.
| Rank | Club / Country | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Ahly (Egypt) | 1684 |
| 2 | Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa) | 1648 |
| 3 | Pyramids FC (Egypt) | 1636 |
| 4 | Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) | 1613 |
| 5 | FAR Rabat (Morocco) | 1576 |
| 6 | Atletico Petro Luanda (Angola) | 1550 |
| 7 | TP Mazembe (Congo DR) | 1548 |
| 8 | El Zamalek (Egypt) | 1545 |
| 9 | RCA Raja Casablanca Athletic (Morocco) | 1537 |
| 10 | CR Belouizdad (Algeria) | 1533 |
| 11 | US Monastir (Tunisia) | 1523 |
| 12 | RS Berkane (Morocco) | 1522 |
| 13 | MC Alger (Algeria) | 1516 |
| 14 | Orlando Pirates (South Africa) | 1508 |
| 15 | Stade Malien Bamako (Mali) | 1507 |
| 16 | Vita Club (Congo DR) | 1506 |
| 17 | Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan) | 1506 |
| 18 | Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) | 1498 |
| 19 | 1º de Agosto (Angola) | 1496 |
| 20 | Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) | 1495 |
| 21 | ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast) | 1490 |
| 22 | JS Kabylie (Algeria) | 1488 |
| 23 | Al-Merreikh (Sudan) | 1483 |
| 24 | FUS Rabat (Morocco) | 1468 |
| 25 | Djoliba AC (Mali) | 1461 |
| 26 | Coton Sport (Cameroon) | 1456 |
| 27 | Bidvest Wits (South Africa) | 1451 |
| 28 | Club Africain (Tunisia) | 1450 |
| 29 | CS Constantine (Algeria) | 1449 |
| 30 | Al Masry (Egypt) | 1446 |
| 31 | Colombe du Dja et Lobo (Cameroon) | 1444 |
| 32 | CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) | 1443 |
| 33 | Saint-Eloi Lupopo (Congo DR) | 1436 |
| 34 | Remo Stars (Nigeria) | 1434 |
| 35 | Dolphins FC (Nigeria) | 1431 |
| 36 | Motema Pembe (Congo DR) | 1426 |
| 37 | Enyimba (Nigeria) | 1418 |
| 38 | Stade Tunisien (Tunisia) | 1418 |
| 39 | ES Sétif (Algeria) | 1416 |
| 40 | ZESCO United (Zambia) | 1415 |
| 41 | Stellenbosch FC (South Africa) | 1413 |
| 42 | Olympic Club de Safi (Morocco) | 1412 |
| 43 | Gunners (Zimbabwe) | 1411 |
| 44 | Sagrada Esperança (Angola) | 1411 |
| 45 | USM Alger (Algeria) | 1410 |
| 46 | JS Saoura (Algeria) | 1409 |
| 47 | FC Platinum (Zimbabwe) | 1408 |
| 48 | Gazelle FC de Garoua (Cameroon) | 1407 |
| 49 | AS Réal Bamako (Mali) | 1406 |
| 50 | Enugu Rangers (Nigeria) | 1405 |
Domestic Brilliance Not Enough for Continental Respect
Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten start in the Betway Premiership is a sign of promise. The team has four wins and one draw from five matches, maintaining a perfect defensive record. Their early form has sparked discussions about whether Amakhosi can mount a serious title challenge after years of disappointment.
However, impressive domestic results have yet to influence their continental position. Chiefs’ struggles to qualify for CAF tournaments over recent seasons, combined with finishing outside the top eight domestically, have damaged their African ranking. The last time Chiefs made a mark on the continent was in the 2020/21 CAF Champions League, where they reached the final.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs Remain Unbeaten: How Amakhosi Outclassed Golden Arrows to Claim Three Points
CAF Confederation Cup: A Chance to Reclaim Prestige
Chiefs’ upcoming CAF Confederation Cup campaign offers a platform to climb back up the African rankings. They will join Stellenbosch FC, ranked 41st in Africa after a semi-final run last season, and Sekhukhune United, currently 56th.
Success in the Confederation Cup is essential for Chiefs to improve their continental standing. Early results, particularly against Kabuscorp, could determine whether they can regain a top-50 spot in Africa.
Can Kaizer Chiefs Translate Domestic Form to Continental Success?
Kaizer Chiefs’ current ranking reflects a larger challenge: turning domestic excellence into African dominance. Their unbeaten start in the Betway Premiership is promising, but years of underperformance on the continental stage have left Amakhosi with significant ground to cover.
With the CAF Confederation Cup on the horizon, Chiefs have a golden opportunity to rebuild their reputation. Fans will be eager to see whether the Glamour Boys can finally bridge the gap between their domestic brilliance and Africa’s elite clubs.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Striker Wandile Duba Hints at Shock Departure
