Mamelodi Sundowns shock as Betway Premiership fixture moved to this week

However, this scheduling change creates an instant challenge for manager Miguel Cardoso, as his international squad members return on Wednesday, leaving almost no opportunity to get ready for the match.

As a result, players such as Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, and Jayden Adams might sit out the game entirely or play only a minor part.

Given the critical Champions League semi-final against Esperance scheduled for next week, along with the priority it demands and the possibility of reaching the final, this might represent the more manageable option for Cardoso.

That being noted, Cardoso's earlier concerns regarding the rescheduling of local games just before a vital Champions League match have gone unaddressed, since Sundowns face another commitment on Tuesday against Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium. Far from perfect conditions.

Following that outing, the team heads to Tunis for the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final versus Esperance on Sunday, April 12.

Typically, this weekend hosts the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, and the Premier Soccer League maintains a longstanding rule against league fixtures during cup weekends to maximise visibility for sponsors.

The Friday matchup with Chippa allows Sundowns a chance to reclaim the top spot in the league table. They trail Orlando Pirates by a single point with 50 total, yet possess an extra match to play, namely this one.

Pirates' next assignment comes on Tuesday, hosting Lamontville Golden Arrows in Soweto.

Chippa find themselves in a precarious position, sitting just two points clear of the drop zone, and remain without a victory in their previous four league outings.