Johannesburg - The Premier Soccer League (PSL) have announced the fixtures for the 2012/13 season, with Orlando Pirates kick-starting their title defence at home to Golden Arrows.

The first game of the new Premiership campaign will take place on Friday, August 10, with the Buccaneers playing host to Abafana Bes'thende at Orlando Stadium.

The Sea Robbers retained their league crown on the final day of last term when they defeated Muhsin Ertugral's side at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Ajax Cape Town will entertain last season's third-placed finishers SuperSport United at the Cape Town Stadium in the night's other opening league clash.

South African top-flight newcomers Chippa United travel to the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, August 11, for the baptism of fire against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Second-placed finishers Moroka Swallows face Platinum Stars at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, August 12.

"I know that football fans have been waiting with bated breath for the fixtures to be announced," PSL general manager of football Derek Blanckensee said in an official statement.

"Our approach has been to take a bit more time to ensure that the fixtures are as accurate as possible so that we have fewer changes during the season.

"We now look forward to what will be an exciting 2012/13 season. Hopefully we will repeat the excitement of the last two seasons where the competition has gone right down to the wire."

Full round of opening weekend fixtures:

Friday, 10 August 2012

Ajax Cape Town v SuperSport United, Cape Town Stadium (20:00)

Orlando Pirates v Golden Arrows, Orlando Stadium (20:00)

Saturday, 11 August 2012

Black Leopards v Bloemfontein Celtic, Peter Mokaba Stadium (15:00)

Free State Stars v Bidvest Wits, Goble Park Stadium (15:00)

AmaZulu v Kaizer Chiefs, Moses Mabhida Stadium (18:00)

Mamelodi Sundowns v Chippa United, Lucas Moripe Stadium (20:15)

Sunday, 12 August 2012

Platinum Stars v Moroka Swallows, Royal Bafokeng Stadium (15:00)

University of Pretoria v Maritzburg United, TUKS Stadium (15:00)