The reason why Orlando Pirates were missing in action over the weekend has been explained to the Siya crew.
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With almost a full round of fixtures in the DStv Premiership from Friday until Sunday afternoon, the Buccaneers were not scheduled for a match as Mamelodi Sundowns and Swallows FC closed off the year with 18 points apiece at the top of the table.
Pirates were meant to play Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila away in Thohoyandou on Saturday night, December 19 – but it's understood the club asked for a postponement from the Premier Soccer League, and the request was granted.
This is due to their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup first round encounter away to Sagrada Esperanca of Angola on Tuesday.
With travel restrictions during the pandemic requiring clubs to book flights on time to secure tickets, have Covid-19 tests and follow the protocols of the country they are visiting, the Buccaneers needed to be given ample time to prepare.
It's not clear whether Sundowns, who also have a game in Botswana on Tuesday, asked the league to have their game away to Golden Arrows moved.
The Brazilians made three changes in their game on Saturday afternoon, and left out some of their big hitters out and only managed a 1-1 draw in KwaZulu-Natal.
Downs take on Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAF Champions League group stages play-offs.
Read: Fixtures, Curfew Protocols - Downs' Obstacles
Check out Pirates' trophy MTN8 celebrations!
