Pirates-Stellies clash put back 24 hours

Next week’s start of the group phase of African club competition has impacted on the Betway Premiership schedule with Orlando Pirates’ clash against Stellenbosch moved back one day.

The fixture was originally scheduled for Saturday, November 30 but will now be played one day later at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday, December 1.

The 24-hour delay gives both sides time to recover from their trips in continental club competition

Pirates are playing away in Algeria against Chabab Belouizdad in their opening match in Group C of the African Champions League while Stellenbosch are in Bamako to take on Stade Malien on Wednesday in their opening Group C match.

Both clubs face fatigue-inducing trips with Stellenbosch only due back in the country on Friday.

Sunday’s clash comes fast on the heels of last month’s controversial MTN8 final where Pirates beat Stellenbosch 3-1 in Durban to win the competition for a third successive season.

Mamelodi Sundowns are home to Maniema Union in their opening Champions League group clash on Tuesday and then host Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.