CAF Club Rankings 2025: Zimbabwean Clubs Missing from Continent’s Top 20

CAF Club Rankings (image source)

Reporter The latest Confederation of African Football (CAF) five-year club rankings, which determine seeding for continental competitions, have been released — and once again, no club from Zimbabwe has made the top 20. This continued absence underscores long-standing issues with performance, funding, and football infrastructure in the country.

CAF’s ranking system evaluates club performances across all CAF competitions over the 2019–20 to 2023–24 seasons. Points are awarded based on match results, progression in tournaments, and overall consistency. Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly tops the list, followed by Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis, Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Zimbabwe’s most storied clubs — including Dynamos, Caps United, and Ngezi Platinum — are conspicuously absent. Despite Dynamos F.C.’s proud continental legacy, which includes a 1998 African Cup final and a 2008 semi-final appearance, recent campaigns have been marked by early exits and minimal impact on the continental stage.

The consequences are significant. Clubs outside the top tiers face tougher seedings, must navigate more preliminary rounds, and enjoy fewer competitive protections in CAF draws. Additionally, sponsorship deals and investor confidence are increasingly tied to continental visibility and consistent competition success — two areas in which Zimbabwean teams currently fall short.

The frustration among fans is palpable. Social media debates often lament missed opportunities, administrative inefficiencies, and the widening gap in resources compared to other African football nations. As one Reddit user summed it up:

“What are the permutations… or are we just playing for pride…”

Football analysts agree that revival will require urgent investment in youth development, coach training, and CAF-standard facilities. Retaining local talent and ensuring uninterrupted participation in CAF tournaments are also crucial for a turnaround.

Without these reforms, Zimbabwe risks permanent relegation from continental relevance. The 2025 CAF rankings serve as both a stark warning and a call to action: resurgence is possible, but only through serious structural reform and sustained investment in the nation’s club football system.