adminThe Pirates game had looked in doubt as the initially proposed date coincided with the Bob 88 semi-finals back home where Hwange are drawn to play Dynamos. The Bob 88 tournament is held to commemorate President Mugabe’s birthday.
Hwange spokesman Burzil Dube said Pirates had wanted to play them on the weekend of 27-28 January.
“That date was not suitable to us and this morning they called to say this weekend would be okay with them. They are eager to have the match played at 10am,” said Dube.
He said that had left them to play Platinum Stars on Sunday.
Dube said the club was still to agree on dates with another South African side Black Leopards who hail from nearby Limpopo Province.
The Hwange coalminers, Black Leopards and Pirates are using the friendly matches as part of their preparations for the Caf club competitions for 2012.
Hwange play Jamhuri of Tanzania in the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup.
Black Leopards, who have just signed Zvenyika Makonese from Shabanie Mine, have been drawn to play 2010 league champions Motor Action in the same competition.
Pirates are competing in the more prestigious Champions League.
Dube said he was happy with Pirates’ decision to have the match moved to this weekend. He said they were now working on the logistics for all three matches as they felt the club stood to benefit from the three international friendlies.
“We are happy with the opportunity to play the three clubs. We are still working on the logistics of when to play Black Leopards. As for Pirates, we are happy they have agreed to play us this weekend at 10am. They did not disclose why in the morning but still it would be worthwhile exposure for the boys.
“This is really good for our preparations for the Jamhuri game on 13 February,” said the Hwange FC secretary.
“The initial dates clashed with the Bob 88 tournament. It’s also a good competition in light of our preparations. We hope we will have a good run,” said Dube.
Dube said the club was now working flat out on the trip and had already written to the Castle Lager Premiership chief executive officer for clearance and guidance.
“We are happy that the boys will travel to South Africa to have a feel of international football. Back home we also intend having a number of friendly matches so that the coaches can fine-tune the boys ahead of the match against Jamhuri,” said Dube.
Hwange, who finished fourth behind Motor Action in the Castle Lager Premiership, will be playing in the Caf Confederation Cup while league champions Dynamos and runners-up FC Platinum are taking part in the Champions League.
Because of previous good performances in the tournament by Zimbabwe teams that have reached the mini league stage of the Champions League, the country is allowed two teams in each of the tournaments.
Bongani Ndlovu