South Africa’s most-followed club Kaizer Chiefs are in the Eastern Cape to battle Chippa United in a league showdown.
Kick off is at 19:30 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze have set seven changes in the starting lineup after last Saturday’s 1-1 stalemate against Zamalek SC in the CAF Confederation Cup.
GEORGE MATLOU MAKES A SURPRISE START
Among the unexpected seven changes, the standout name is none other than George Matlou, who makes his first start of the season. Alongside Matlou in midfield, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo earns his first start in five games.
The other five changes include Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, Asanele Velebayi, Mfundo Vilakazi and Flavio Silva.
The players who have made way are Dillan Solomons, Bradley Cross, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Gaston Sirino, Pule Mmodi, Mduduzi Shabalala and Etiosa Ighodaro.
The hosts have made just two changes after the goalless stalemate against Siwelele last Saturday. Eva Nga and Ruzaigh Gamildien have made way for Justice Figuareido and Banele Hlophe in attack.
CHIPPA UNITED VS KAIZER CHIEFS STARTING LINE UPS
Chippa United: Msibi, Mfecane, Fasika, Majadibodu, Mosele, Matrose, Hlophe, Figureido, Kammies, Modise, Bonani.
Substitutes: Sithole, 28, Madingwana, 45. Ntsundwana, 24. Konqobe, 29. Mbhele, 30. Malaoa, 3. Sithole, 21. Seabi, 7. Eva Nga.
Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Mako, Kwinika, Miguel, Monyane, Matlou, Maboe, Ngcobo, Vilakazi, Velebayi, Da Silva
Substitutes: Bvuma, Msimango, Solomons, McCarthy, Ndlovu, Shabalala, Mmodi, Mayo, Ighodaro.
Kaizer Chiefs arrive in Gqeberha hungry to taste to victory after a winless run of two matches. Amakhosi were beaten 2-1 by Al Masry before settling for a 1-1 draw against Zamalek SC in the CAF Confederation Cup.
In the league, things have looked pleasing. Amakhosi are unbeaten in their last five league outings, though the performances have hardly matched the expectations that come with the badge. Back-to-back 1-1 draws against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu were followed by a goalless stalemate with Siwelele, before narrow progress arrived via a 1-0 win over Durban City and an emphatic 4-1 demolition of Orbit College at FNB Stadium.
While Amakhosi search for sharpness, their hosts, Chippa United, are battling much deeper troubles. Sitting at the base of the table with just one win from 14 league matches, their bottom-place standing comes as no surprise.
The struggles have been created by instability in the technical team. Sinethemba Badela was dismissed in August, Luc Eymael lasted only seven games, and the responsibility has since fallen on Vusumuzi Vilakazi to help the Chilly Boys escape relegation.