Big match fixture change for Pirates
by Lovemore Moyo · KickOffOrlando Pirates’ progress to the group stage of the CAF Champions League will affect the fixture of their Betway Premiership match against Mamelodi Sundowns in the New Year.
Pirates are through to the continental group stage and will have their name in the draw on Wednesday to determine the other three teams in their group.
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Their group will have any of Esperance, RS Berkane, Pyramids, and Zamalek from pot 1, then Al Hilal, Simba, Young Africans, or Petro de Luanda in pot 2, and then Club Africain, Wiliete, Colombe Sportive, or Maghreb Fez in pot 4.
They already have one trip to North Africa definite with all teams in pot 1 from that part of the continent.
The worst-case scenario will be having all three opponents being from North Africa, which demands long-distance travel involving connecting via airports located outside the continent.
With the CAF dates for the group matches confirmed, the PSL will be forced to get new dates for six league weekend matches pencilled in from November 28 to January 22.
Of note is the game against Sundowns on Saturday, January 9, which will now most likely be played in midweek.
The affected matches are:
November 28 – Golden Arrows – Orlando Amstel Arena
December 5 – Stellenbosch FC – Orlando Amstel Arena
December 19 – Polokwane City – Orlando Amstel Arena
January 9 – Mamelodi Sundowns – Loftus Versfeld
January 16 – AmaZulu FC – Orlando Amstel Arena
January 22 – Kruger United – Orlando Amstel Arena
READ: Pirates in CAF Champions League challenge
Durban City will also face a similar fate after going through to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
This means games against Polokwane City, Siwelele FC, Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs, Richards Bay FC, and Milford FC will be affected.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images