Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC have now learnt the days and times in which they will play their CAF inter-club quarter-final matches.
Sundowns and Pirates are in the CAF Champions League quarter-final while Stellenbosch are flying South Africa’s flag in the Confederation Cup.
Miguel Cardoso’s side have a date with his former side Esperance of Tunisia while Pirates will clash with Algerian giants MC Alger as Stellenbosch take on Egyptian giants and defending champions Zamalek.
The Champions League quarter-final first legs will all be played on April 1, with Sundowns hosting Esperance at Loftus Versfeld from 15.00, while Pirates will be away in Algeria with their match kicking off at 21.00.
Tricky fixtures for PSL representatives
Three return leg matches are scheduled for April 8, including Sundowns’ away match to Esperance, to be played at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi (21.00), but Pirates will host MC Alger at the Orlando Stadium on April 9 from 18.00.
Meanwhile, Stellies will host Zamalek on April 2 from 15.00, the day when all Confederation Cup quarter-final first leg fixtures will be played, before playing away in Cairo from 18.00.
It is uncharted territory for Stellenbosch, who had never made it past the preliminary round of a continental competition, but have their biggest test yet as they must overcome the holders to progress to the semi-final.
Will we see an all-South African final?
Meanwhile, Pirates are in the quarter-final for the first time since 2013 and had been impressive in the group stage, when they went unbeaten and finished top, ahead of record 12-time winners and defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt.
For Sundowns, it will be a chance to avenge last year’s loss at the semi-final to Esperance, as they look to win the trophy they last claimed in 2016 after exiting at the last four in the last two years.
Pirates and Sundowns can set up a dream all-South African final if they go all the way as a win for the Buccaneers will see them take on either Pyramids or AS FAR in the semi-final while victory for the Brazilians will see them face either Al Ahly or Al-Hilal at the same stage.
