Ahead of the Champions League preliminary draw, CAF have released the updated version of the rankings, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates again representing South Africa.
After participating at the FIFA Club World Cup, not making it out of the group stage has seen Sundowns still unable to unseat Al Ahly from the number one spot, remaining the second highest-ranked side in Africa.
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Pirates, on the other hand, are ranked 15th in the latest rankings, making some progress after reaching the semi-finals last season.
As a result, the Soweto giants will go through the first preliminary round and, in the draw, will be regarded as one of the lowest-ranked clubs.
The preliminary draw will consist of 54 clubs, with four of the highest-ranked clubs as well as 14 highest-ranked sides regarded as 'lowest-ranked clubs' and 36 other clubs regarded as 'non-ranked'.
According to the draw procedure, five pots will be created for the 36 non-ranked clubs and the 14 lowest-ranked clubs, where Abdeslam Ouaddou's men will be placed.
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However, the preliminary round draw pairs teams, "taking into account their geographical proximity", meaning Pirates are unlikely to face four of the highest-ranked sides (not exempted), as most of them are from North, East and West Africa.
The preliminary draw will be conducted on Saturday afternoon with the competition commencing on 19 September.
