South African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, are set to parade a star-studded lineup featuring at least eight Bafana Bafana internationals when they face Nigeria’s Remo Stars in the second-round preliminary clash of the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League.
The high-stakes encounter, billed for the Remo Stars MKO Abiola Arena Abeokuta , this weekend marks the first leg of a two-legged battle that will determine which team advances to the lucrative group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
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Sundowns, Africa’s most consistent club in recent years, boast an array of international talents, including captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, and Grant Kekana.
Others on the roster includes , Terrence Mashego, Mothobi Mvala,Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, and Thapelo Morena
At least six of them are key members of South Africa’s national team who just book a FIFA 2026 World Cup ticket at the expense of the Super Eagles.
Their inclusion underlines the Pretoria-based side’s ambition to go all the way once again in this year’s competition.
Remo Stars, representing Nigeria for the second consecutive season, will look to make history by reaching the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time.
Coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s men overcame Zilimandjou of Comoros 5-0 on aggregate in the previous round and will aim to continue create an upset against the former African champions.
The clash promises to be a fascinating test of character and tactical discipline. While Sundowns arrive with the pedigree and experience of multiple CAF campaigns, Remo Stars will count on home support and youthful energy and unpredictability to challenge the visitors.
The return leg is scheduled for the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria next weekend, where the aggregate winner will secure a coveted spot in the group stage — and a share of the competition’s multi-million-dollar prize pool.
All eyes will be on Abeokuta as Remo Stars, the rising Nigerian football force takes a continental giant Mamelodi Sundowns as the Nigeria /South Africa rivalry extends into club football.
