Kaizer Chiefs are expected to count on experienced heads against Abafana Bes’thende who visit Soccer City on Tuesday at 19:30.
The Africa Cup of Nations break has come and gone. Amakhosi will be eager to restart their campaign with purpose and sharpen their push near the top end of the table.
THREE INJURY CASUALTIES
Speaking ahead of the match, co-coach Cedric Kaze confirmed that the squad is largely in good shape. Only three injury losses are confirmed.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa, George Matlou and Bradley Cross have all been ruled out. The rest of the group is fit and available for selection.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ EXPECTED STARTING LINE-UP VS GOLDEN ARROWS
The Glamour Boys are expected to line up with Brandon Petersen in goal. It will be the continuation of a season where defensive structure has been a strong foundation.
In defence, Dillan Solomons and Paseka Mako are likely to operate as the full-backs, Inacio Miguel and Aden McCarthy will form the central pairing.
Midfield will see Lebohang Maboe and Siphesihle Ndlovu. They are expected to anchor the middle. Gaston Sirino will add craft and intelligence to the number 10 role.
Out wide, Asanele Velebayi offers energy and direct running. Khanyisa Mayo is expected to carry the main goal threat from advanced areas.
Up front, Etiosa Ighodaro is tipped to lead the line. The Nigerian will be tasked with occupying defenders and creating space for those arriving from midfield.
Full line-up: Brandon Petesen, Dillan Solomons, Inacio Miguel, Aden McCarthy, Paseka Mako, Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Gaston Sirino, Khanyisa Mayo, Asanele Velebayi, Etiosa Ighodaro.
DECENT START TO THE SEASON
Before the AFCON break on 7 December, Kaizer Chiefs were quietly building momentum in the Betway Premiership. Despite the shock exit of coach Nasreddine Nabi in October, the Glamour Boys showed resilience and maturity. They closed the first round in fourth place on 24 points.
Under co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, Amakhosi lost just once in 13 league matches. A five-game unbeaten run between August and September laid a solid base. However, the year ended with back-to-back 0–0 draws against Chippa United and TS Galaxy.
Defensively, Kaizer Chiefs were disciplined and hard to beat, with Petersen keeping several clean sheets. However, cup football brought frustration, though, as Stellenbosch FC knocked them out of the Carling Knockout on penalties.
The break has been put behind, and the squad is settled. Kaizer Chiefs will be looking for rhythm, goals and three points to set the tone for the second half of the season.
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