Orlando Pirates face early league test after MTN8 final schedule change

Orlando Pirates’ Betway Premiership match against TS Galaxy has been brought forward as the club prepares for a demanding domestic and continental schedule.

The Buccaneers are due to return to competitive action on Saturday, 10 October, when they meet rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side will then begin the next stage of their CAF Champions League campaign seven days later. Pirates are scheduled to face African Stars in the first leg of the second preliminary round.

Instead of having a full week to prepare for that match, however, Pirates will now play TS Galaxy on Wednesday, 13 October, only three days after the MTN8 final.

The Betway Premiership fixture had originally been listed for Sunday, 18 October, on Orlando Pirates’ official website. It has been rescheduled because of the club’s CAF commitments.

Pirates’ revised schedule means their meeting with Galaxy comes during a busy period that includes the MTN8 final and the opening leg of their CAF Champions League tie against African Stars.

According to the Premier Soccer League website, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Durban City will also play on 13 October to allow their continental fixtures to be accommodated.

The Premier Soccer League’s fixture list labels the matches as taking place on Tuesday, 13 October, with all four scheduled to kick off at 19h30.

13 October fixtures

– Kaizer Chiefs v Stellenbosch FNB Stadium – Richards Bay v Mamelodi Sundowns Princess Magogo Stadium – Orlando Pirates v TS Galaxy Orlando Amstel Arena – Durban City v AmaZulu FC Chatsworth Stadium