CAF launches a ‘new look’ TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Trophy together with TotalEnergies ahead of the first leg final this weekend

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) today unveiled the new TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy together with partners TotalEnergies on Thursday, marking a bold new chapter in the legacy of Africa’s premier club competition.

The unveiling took place at TotalEnergies’ South African Headquarters in Johannesburg and was attended by some of African football legends including Lucas Radebe, Teko Modise and Siphiwe Tshabalala as well as several African football leaders.

One of the two finalists, Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids will make history when they lift the new trophy.

CAF’s official unveiling of the striking new trophy design is far more than a mere replacement; it represents a powerful evolution of CAF’s commitment to modernisation and innovation.

As part of CAF’s broader strategy to rebrand and elevate its competitions, the new design was conceived to amplify the visual impact of African football’s most coveted prize.

“In line with the vision of the CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, we are rebranding and repositioning African football with a special focus on interclub competitions at the moment. This TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy reveal reflects our goals and bold steps toward an exciting African club football environment. With this, we aim to elevate the stature of African club competitions to global prominence, strengthen our commercial appeal, and inspire a new generation of footballing talent,” CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba said.

Olagoke Aluko, MD/CEO TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa, said they were delighted to be a part of the historic new era for TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

"TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa is honoured and privileged to be a part of this historic moment in our country. This goes beyond revealing the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy, it is about celebrating a powerful momentum that brings people together in Africa - a continent where TotalEnergies has long been a dedicated and trusted energy partner. TotalEnergies partnership with CAF reflects our deep-rooted commitment to supporting the growth of a sport that embodies the values we hold dear - diversity, unity, and cohesion. We take pride in what this trophy represents and we are delighted that the ceremony is taking place in South Africa, a reflection of the unbreakable spirit that defines African football,” Aluko said.

Thursday’s unveiling builds on the growing excitement across the continent ahead Saturday’s much-anticipated 2024/25 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final, first leg, between South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC of Egypt in Pretoria.

The return leg for the prestigious title will be on 1 June in Cairo.

The new Trophy draws inspiration from the fierce competition and rich cultural heritage of the continent, the trophy features sleek silver and gold lines, symbolising unity, rivalry, and the competitive balance that defines the tournament.

At its peak, the golden sphere - embellished with African symbolism - represents the ultimate prize: victory.

The interplay of contrasting silver and gold elements celebrates both the triumph of champions and the honour of worthy opponents, reinforcing the spirit of respect, ambition, and excellence that underscores African football.

The redesign mirrors the successful evolution of African football, positioning the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League trophy as a visual icon that reflects the prestige and passion of African club football.

Few players will be carrying the weight of unfinished business like Aubrey Modiba on Saturday at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder is preparing for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final against Egyptian side Pyramids FC but for Modiba, this isn’t just another game. It’s a second chance, a shot at redemption eight years in the making.

Back in 2017, a much younger Modiba featured in the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final with SuperSport United, only to fall short against TP Mazembe. That painful memory still lingers and now fuels his hunger to finally conquer the continent.

“It’ll be great for us because we really want to make history in this club as players,” Modiba said.

“We always want to win big trophies and the last one I played in with SuperSport, you know, it was our first one and we didn’t have much experience actually, and we saw how we fell short in that game.”

Much has changed since that final in 2017. Modiba, now 29, has matured into a regular for Bafana Bafana and a key figure in a Sundowns side that continues to dominate domestically.

After clinching an eighth consecutive PSL title, the Tshwane outfit now sets its sights on continental glory, a title that has eluded them since 2016.

“Right now, I think having played so many TotalEnergies CAF Champions League games at Sundowns … we understand what it takes to be able to reach the final and try and win it,” he explained.

“It’s been eluding us for so many years. So, I think right now we’re on the right track. We just have to make sure that we do well in both legs. But you know, firstly at home, I think we’ll need to do well at home.”

Having come so close before, this is the opportunity to finally right the wrongs of 2017.

And if there’s one thing the left-footed dynamo has learned, it’s that finals are won not just with flair but with resilience, experience and belief.

Now, with one of Africa’s most feared squads, a tactically astute and winning coach and a dream within reach, Modiba and Sundowns are determined not to let this one slip.

And if they succeed, Aubrey Modiba’s name will be forever etched in gold, not just as a league champion but as a continental one too.