While the intriguing Premier Soccer League (PSL) title race enjoys a ”rest period’ this weekend, there is no respite for Orlando Pirates as they take on Sudan’s AlHilal in a first-leg, third-round Caf Champions League game at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.
Pursuing three major titles — the Champions League, the PSL and the Absa Cup — is indeed a daunting undertaking, as many of the top teams in Europe have discovered.
And what could culminate in glory can quite as easily end in disappointment, with the Buccaneers succumbing to the strain of their three-pronged quest for victory.
Although insular South Africans tend to look on the Champions League with only lukewarm passion and interest, it is, in the wider context, easily the most prestigious, lucrative and testing challenge that confronts Pirates.
Not only does the prize money for winning the Champions League dwarf those for internal South African competitions, but there is also the additional incentive of qualifying for Fifa’s World Club Championship and the worldwide interest and acclaim that goes with it.
The tie against AlHilal, however, is only a preliminary, early obstacle on the road to becoming Africa’s top club side. Victory in the two-leg tie against the Sudanese would qualify the Buccaneers for the last-eight, round-robin stage of the competition, from which four semifinalists ultimately emerge after a gruelling programme.
Pirates, at the same time, are already focusing attention on Wednesday’s resumption of the PSL title race with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who hold a one-point advantage with two games remaining.
And minimising Al Hilal’s challenge, in the circumstances, could be a costly exercise.
The PSL, at the same time, takes on the guise of a scramble for top eight positions and a frantic bid to steer clear of relegation this weekend.
Bottom-of-the-log Free State Stars, for example, face Black Leopards on Saturday in the knowledge that a defeat will almost certainly send them to the Mvela League next season.
Bush Bucks and Classic will also be seeking vital, relegation-saving points against Bloemfontein Celtic and Santos respectively.
And when it comes to qualifying for next season’s Supa8 competition, there is the distinct possibility that vaunted clubs such as Supersport United and Ajax Cape Town will be among those sitting on the sidelines. — Sapa
Fixtures for the weekend
Saturday
Caf Champions League: first-leg, third round: Orlando Pirates vs Al Hilal (Sudan) at Ellis Park (3.15pm).
PSL: Moroka Swallows vs Jomo Cosmos at Herman Immelman Stadium (3.15pm); Classic vs Santos at Harry Gwala Stadium (3.15pm); Free State Stars vs Black Leopards at Goble Park (3.15pm); Ajax Cape Town vs Golden Arrows at Green Point Stadium (8pm).
Sunday
PSL: Silver Stars vs Kaizer Chiefs at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace (3.15pm).