“Our club’s special story has a beautiful new African chapter added now, and we are still writing it,” said Benadie.

This is an incredible achievement for Stellenbosch, as they now join Mamelodi Sundowns (2nd place) and Orlando Pirates (15th) as the only South African clubs in CAF's top 30 ranked sides.

Last week, Stellenbosch progressed to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history, after defeating defending champions Zamalek and emerging with a 1–0 aggregate win in the quarter-final. By progressing to the semi-finals, the club is already R38 million richer — the prize money for Confed Cup semi-finalists.

Zamalek are ranked fifth in the CAF standings, and Stellenbosch's victory reflects how well they have navigated the uncharted waters of African football.

With each passing game, Stellenbosch have etched their name into the annals of football history — not just for South Africa, but for the continent at large. The excitement surrounding the club’s achievements reflects a growing conviction that their story is far from over, and fans in the Winelands are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this remarkable journey.

On Sunday, Stellenbosch face Tanzanian giants Simba SC in their first-leg semi-final clash. There is strong South African interest in the match, as the visitors go up against a team coached by Cape Town-born Fadlu Davids.

Stellenbosch were informed on Monday that the match had been moved from Simba's Dar es Salaam fortress, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, due to temporary closure for maintenance work. The game will now be played at the 15 000-seater Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

Local Tanzanian media suggest the move could favour Stellenbosch, as significantly fewer fans will be in attendance to support Simba, who are ranked fourth in the CAF standings.

Davids has his sights set on reaching the final and establishing Simba among the continent’s elite clubs.

“We’re happy to be in the semi-finals, but we are not done yet,” said Davids. “We’re building something, and the goal is not just to reach the semi-finals. We want to be the best club in Africa.

“We’re already identifying key signings for next season. The CAF Champions League is also in our sights.”

Stellenbosch are set to fly out to Zanzibar on Friday morning.

rob benadie

Watch VideoCAF-ranked Stellenbosch FC are now among African football's movers and shakers

CAF-ranked Stellenbosch FC are now among African football's movers and shakers