The Kaizer Chiefs fanbase has been disappointed. Amakhosi, one of the continent’s most famous clubs, failed to qualify for the revamped 32‑team FIFA Club World Cup, while Betway Premiership supremos Mamelodi Sundowns made it through.
While the FIFA Club World Cup launched an expanded format, Kaizer Chiefs could not meet the qualification criteria by either winning the CAF Champions League or via the CAF four‑year African clubs ranking.
Sundowns, Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) and Esperance (Tunisia) took the four spots allocated for African clubs.
HOW AMAKHOSI MISSED OUT
New Kaizer Chiefs striker: 25 goals in South Africa
Kaizer Chiefs needed to win one of the CAF Champions League titles between 2021 and 2024. A glorious chance was squandered in 2021 when the Soweto giants lost 3-0 to Al Ahly in the final. Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca won the 2022 title, their third continental championship. The 2023 and 2024 championships saw Egypt’s Ahly lift back-to-back titles.
Distraught Amakhosi players after losing the 2021 CAF Champions League final to Al Ahly in Cairo, Egypt. Image: Sowetan
Kaizer Chiefs news: Edson Castillo and Fiacre Ntwari
CAF’s secondary qualification criteria then looked at the points-based club rankings, where Kaizer Chiefs found themselves way below the standings. The list was topped by clubs that consistently made the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League over the four-year cycle. Thus, Tunisia’s Esperance and Sundowns took the remaining two spots.
KAIZER CHIEFS TO MISS THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP IN 2029?
However, there is some faint hope. Rumours suggest FIFA are considering to expand the 2029 edition from 32 to 48 clubs.
“The FIFA Club World Cup is about to enter a new phase, and FIFA is already considering ways to make it bigger and more competitive,” beIN Sports reported. “According to The Guardian, the world football governing body will present a proposal this summer to increase the number of participating teams from 32 to 48, starting with the 2029 edition,” the outlet added.
This means that CAF will likely form an additional criterion that could favour Amakhosi.
Time will tell.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR KAIZER CHIEFS TO WIN THE CAF CHAMPIONS, AND WHAT DOES THE CLUB NEED?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
