Big Match Fixture Change for Pirates

Orlando Pirates’ big Betway Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns will not go ahead as planned in the New Year. The league game, originally set for Saturday, 9 January at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, is one of several fixtures that must be moved because of Pirates’ progress in the CAF Champions League.

The Buccaneers have reached the group stage of Africa’s top club competition. CAF has confirmed group matches between 28 November and 22 January. These dates clash with a number of Pirates’ domestic league games, forcing the Premier Soccer League to reschedule six of them.

The Sundowns match is the most high-profile game affected. It is a major rivalry fixture that always draws big crowds and national attention. While the new date has not yet been announced, the league is expected to move it to a midweek slot so it does not interfere with Pirates’ African commitments. Fans of both clubs will have to wait for the official fixture list update before making travel or ticket plans.

Other Pirates games that must also change are

28 November against Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium

5 December against Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium

19 December against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium

16 January against AmaZulu FC at Orlando Stadium

22 January against Kruger United at Orlando Stadium

Most of these were home games for Pirates. Moving them creates a busy period for the Soweto side as they try to balance league ambitions with the demands of the Champions League. Playing in Africa brings prestige and prize money, but it also means more travel, tighter schedules, and less recovery time between matches.

For Sundowns, the change is less disruptive because only their away trip to Pirates is affected so far. Still, both clubs and the league must now work around the new dates while protecting player welfare and ensuring fair competition in the Betway Premiership.

This is not the first time a South African club has had to shuffle its league programme because of continental football. Successful CAF campaigns often force such adjustments. Supporters understand the importance of representing the country in Africa, but many will still be disappointed that the traditional weekend derby has been shifted.

The Premier Soccer League is expected to release the full revised fixture list soon. Until then, Pirates and Sundowns fans will keep watching for confirmation of when the big clash will finally take place. The rivalry remains one of the biggest in local football, and both sets of supporters will want to make sure they are there whenever the teams meet.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2114758013546361291

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