The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has scheduled Kaizer Chiefs to kick off at 18:00.

Rivals Orlando Pirates take to the field at 20:00. The unusual double-header gives South African football fans an opportunity to watch both teams without a broadcast clash.

Friday night football in South Africa is usually associated with Betway Premiership fixtures kicking off at 19:30. However, this week’s CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Champions League matches will see the two Soweto giants play outside that traditional slot.

The staggered kick-off times also offer some relief to supporters after criticism of the domestic schedule. Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are all scheduled to play their Carling Knockout Last 16 matches at 19:00 on Tuesday, 27 October.

This time, fans can watch both Amakhosi and the Buccaneers on the same evening without having to choose between the two matches.

AMAKHOSI AND THE BUCCANEERS ON DIFFERENT MISSIONS

Following last weekend’s away trips, Kaizer Chiefs will get the action underway at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, where they face Zambia’s Red Arrows in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary tie.

Amakhosi trail 1-0 after losing the first leg away from home. They must therefore overturn the deficit in Durban to keep their hopes of reaching the competition’s lucrative group stages alive.

The match will be broadcast live on SABC 3, with coverage starting at 17:30 ahead of the 18:00 kick-off.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates will host African Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena in the CAF Champions League at 20:00.

The Buccaneers have the advantage after securing a 1-0 away victory in the first leg, courtesy of a Tshepang Moremi goal. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side will now look to finish the job at home and secure progression to the next round.

SABC 2 will broadcast the Pirates match, with coverage starting at 19:00.

With Chiefs chasing a comeback and Pirates looking to protect their lead, Friday promises a significant evening for South African football on the continental stage.