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Caf confirms dates, times, and venues as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch FC prepare for crucial continental showdowns

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates secured their spots in the last eight after strong performances in the group stages. The Buccaneers topped their group, while Masandawana finished as runners-up, avoiding a potential all-South African clash in the draw. Stellenbosch also impressed in the Confederation Cup, finishing second in their group to advance to the knockout stage.CAF has now confirmed the dates, times, and venues for the quarterfinals of both the Champions League and the Confederation Cup. Sundowns and Stellenbosch will play their first-leg matches at home, while Orlando Pirates will travel to Algeria. This scheduling gives the South African sides a crucial opportunity to capitalize on home advantage before the return legs.The draw has set up a series of intense fixtures, with teams aiming to progress to the semi finals. All three clubs will now shift focus to preparing for their crucial upcoming encounters.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The African football governing body has officially announced the fixture dates and kick-off times for the 2024-25 TotalEnergies Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup quarter-finals.<a href="https://www.cafonline.com/news/quarter-final-fixtures-for-totalenergies-caf-champions-league-and-totalenergies-caf-confederation-cup-confirmed/" target="_blank"> According to the press release</a>, the first-leg matches will take place on Tuesday, April 1, with the return legs scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, except for Orlando Pirates vs. MC Alger, which will be played a day later. These fixtures set the stage for an exciting knockout round as teams compete for a spot in the semifinals.

CAF STATEMENT

Miguel Cardoso's former club, their quarterfinal opponents Esperance Sportive de Tunis, fired coach Laurentiu Reghecampf this week with the Romanian tactician lasted only four months before being dismissed, creating instability ahead of their clash with Cardoso's side.Media reports have suggested that Maher Kanzari will replace the Romanian in the dugout and his first fixture in charge will be Cardoso's Sundowns. This fixture comes immediately after the Fifa international break, and the Portuguese coach will hope to use it to regain momentum after their recent defeat to Orlando Pirates. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC will benefit from playing at home for the first time in the competition, having previously used Moses Mabhida and Loftus Versfeld as alternative venues.The international break will also allow South African clubs to regroup, but coaches will be wary of potential injuries to key players returning from national team duty.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sundowns face their former rivals Esperance, who eliminated them in the semi finals last season, Cardoso will be eager to use his experience and inside knowledge to turn the tables this time. The Brazilians will look to gain an advantage in the first leg before heading into a tricky away fixture. With history and pride on the line, this promises to be a thrilling quarterfinal encounter.

WHAT NEXT FOR SUNDOWNS

Caf confirms dates, times, and venues as Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Stellenbosch FC prepare for crucial continental showdowns | Goal.com South Africa

Masandawana &amp; the Maroons face a huge task, hosting Esperance &amp; Zamalek in the last eight, while Bucs head to Algeria for their battles.