Sundowns’ FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash puts Carling Knockout final date at risk

Mamelodi Sundowns’ progress in the Carling Knockout Cup has created a scheduling problem for the PSL, with the proposed final date of 12 December clashing with their FIFA Challenger Cup fixture in Qatar.

Sundowns were the first team involved in the semi-finals on Tuesday and remain one match away from potentially reaching the Carling Knockout Cup final. The PSL is planning to stage the semi-finals on 21 November, immediately after the FIFA international window, which runs from 9-17 November.

The final is currently scheduled for 12 December. However, Sundowns are due to play in the FIFA Challenger Cup, described as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup semi-final, on the same day if they qualify.

Their opponents will be the winners of the Derby of the Americas, with the match taking place at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Should Sundowns reach the Carling Knockout final, the international fixture would take precedence and the domestic showpiece would have to be rearranged.

Sundowns are expected to travel three days before the Qatar match. If they then reach the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against PSG on 16 December, they may not return to South Africa until 18 December.

That would also affect their league fixtures against Sekhukhune United on 15 December and Stellenbosch on 18 December.

The PSL has limited room to reschedule the Carling Knockout final. The weekends of 27-29 November, 4-6 December and 18-20 December are already reserved for the opening three matches of the CAF inter-club group stages.

As a result, 12 December is the only Saturday available before the end of the year. If Sundowns reach the final and are unavailable, the PSL may have to stage the match during the week instead.

Orlando Pirates, who are still competing in the Carling Knockout Cup, will also be involved in the CAF Champions League group stages, further restricting the calendar.

Before departing for Qatar, Sundowns are scheduled to play USM Alger on Sunday and contest the Carling Knockout semi-final on 21 November. They then face league fixtures against Kruger United on 28 November and Polokwane City on 5 December.

The scheduling issue could extend into the new year. Sundowns’ home league match against Orlando Pirates, currently set for 9 January, will also have to be moved to a midweek date. The possible replacement date is 5 January, 2027.