Orlando Pirates rank higher than Mamelodi Sundowns in latest African club rankings

Leading the South African charge Orlando Pirates, who have been ranked 5th in Africa and 143rd globally with 130.25 points. The Buccaneers' consistent performances in both domestic and continental competitions - most notably a semi-final run in the CAF Champions League - have propelled them above traditional North African powerhouses like Morocco's FAR Rabat.

This marks a significant shift in the domestic hierarchy, with Pirates now the highest-ranked South African side - an honour long held by their Tshwane rivals.

Sundowns, despite clinching their eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title and reaching the CAF Champions League final, sit ninth in Africa and 181st globally with 112.75 points. Their dominance in South African football remains unquestioned, but their narrow loss on the continental stage appears to have impacted their standing in the IFFHS system.

Still, the Brazilians remain one of the continent's most consistent forces, with their presence in the top 10 reflecting their long-term success both locally and abroad.

Perhaps the most notable inclusion is Stellenbosch, who have cracked the African top 20 for the first time. Stellies are ranked 17th on the continent and 289th globally with 80.25 points, a remarkable achievement for a club only recently competing in the top flight.

Their rise has been driven by a fearless, youthful squad and an impressive third-place finish in the Betway Premiership, which secured them a spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup. Their emergence signals a growing depth in South African club football and reflects the fruits of a strong developmental focus.

At the summit of the African rankings, Egyptian clubs continue to dominate. CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC top the list with 213.5 points, followed closely by Al Ahly (209 points) and Zamalek SC (170 points), underlining North Africa's enduring influence in continental competitions.

With three clubs in the top 20, South Africa is well-represented in African football's elite, and the upward trajectory suggests even greater heights may be within reach in the coming seasons.