Orlando Pirates will have an incredibly busy start to get their 2019 underway with at least five fixtures in 18 days all but confirmed.
Having progressed to the group stages of the CAF Champions League and their opponents revealed during last Friday's draw in Cairo, the Buccaneers will play two of their continental matches this month, while juggling that with their Absa Premiership schedule.
It is possible that the Nedbank Cup will also be added to their January roster as the Round of 32 is usually scheduled around this time of the year.
Pirates are away to stubborn Highlands Park on Saturday at the Makhulong Stadium for their first match of the new year in the Absa Premiership and have just three days after that to prepare to host Chippa United at Orlando Stadium.
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Although CAF have yet to confirm the venues for the opening round of the group stage fixtures, Pirates begin their journey at this phase of the competition with a trip to Zimbabwe to face reigning champions FC Platinum on January 11 – and then host Horoya a week later.
Reports in Zimbabwe earlier this week suggested Platinum were struggling with making a call on whether to take the match to Harare or Bulawayo, where Pirates apparently enjoy huge support.
Title holders Esperance complete Group B of the Champions League.
Bucs January Fixtures:
Highlands Park – January 5
Chippa United – January 8
FC Platinum – January 11
Horoya – January 18/19
Baroka – January 22
The schedule does not yet make room for a possible Nedbank Cup last 32 fixture clash.
