adminwhere 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 Caf inter-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.
“The initial dates clashed with the Bob ‘88 tournament. It’s also a good competition in the 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 Premier Soccer League chief executive, Kenny Ndebele, seeking clearance.
“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.
Online Reporter