Mamelodi Sundowns face major PSL fixture reshuffle after FIFA Intercontinental confirmation

FIFA has confirmed Mamelodi Sundowns’ schedule at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, creating further uncertainty for the domestic PSL calendar.

Sundowns will face the winner of the Derby of the Americas in the FIFA Challenger Cup on Saturday, December 12 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

If they progress, they will meet Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final at the same venue on Wednesday, December 16.

The Tshwane club reached the Intercontinental Cup semi-finals after defeating Al Ahli Saudi in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.

The confirmed dates mean the PSL could be forced to revise a number of Sundowns fixtures, beginning with the Carling Knockout final.

December 12 has been set aside for that match. If Miguel Cardoso’s side reaches the final, it will have to be moved to another date, presenting the league with a further scheduling challenge.

Sundowns begin their Carling Knockout campaign against Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld next Tuesday. They must then host Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on October 31.

A place in the quarter-finals would require another match on November 4, only four days before the club’s CAF Super Cup fixture against USM Alger.

The FIFA international window is scheduled for November 9-17. Should Sundowns reach the Carling Knockout semi-finals, that match would have to be played on November 21.

Their league fixture against Kruger United, currently scheduled for November 28, would also need to be rearranged if Sundowns qualify for the group stages of the Champions League, which begin that same weekend.

Sundowns must first overcome Wiliete Sport Clube de Benguela this evening to keep that possibility alive.

Qualification for the group stage for a 12th consecutive season would result in another match being added to their schedule between December 4 and 6. That would clash with the league game against Polokwane City, which is set for December 5.

The fixtures against Sekhukhune United on December 15 and Stellenbosch on December 18 would also require new dates because of clashes with the CAF Champions League and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Sundowns’ league matches against Orlando Pirates, Milford and Richards Bay in January are also expected to be moved as a result of the congested schedule.