Mamelodi Sundowns stand on the cusp of continental history as they prepare for the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR Rabat, with the largest prize pool ever offered in the competition's history now within their grasp. The winners of the 2025/26 final will claim a staggering six million dollars, representing a fifty percent increase under CAF's new financial structure and translating to over one hundred million South African rand. The runners-up will receive four million dollars, but for the Brazilians, this final represents far more than monetary reward. It marks their opportunity to secure a second CAF Champions League title after their inaugural triumph in 2016, cementing their legacy as one of Africa's elite institutions while securing financial resources to further strengthen their dominance on the continent.
Sundowns possess a significant advantage in experience, preparing for their fourth appearance in the CAF Champions League final. Their opponents, AS FAR Rabat, are returning to the final stage for the first time in the modern era, with their only previous victory dating back to 1985. The Brazilians' road to this stage has been paved with high-level exposure and consistent competitiveness at Africa's highest level. Their recent participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they faced Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, has provided them with invaluable experience in crucial moments. Domestically, they have also maintained their position at the summit of the Betway Premiership standings.
The two-legged final presents Sundowns with an opportunity to transform years of pursuit into a defining achievement. With the first leg scheduled for Friday, May fifteenth in Pretoria and the second leg on Sunday, May twenty-fourth in Rabat, the stage is set for a compelling continental battle that carries profound significance for African football.