Kaizer Chiefs could unleash Mduduzi Shabalala from the start against Golden Arrows. New signings Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams may have to settle for the bench.
The Glamour Boys enter the match with confidence. They beat Kruger United 3-1 in their opening Betway Premiership fixture.
Flávio Silva scored in that victory. Wandile Duba then came off the bench and scored twice. Now Fernando Da Cruz must decide whether to change his winning XI. One attacking change could provide the surprise.
MDUDUZI SHABALALA SET FOR RETURN
Mduduzi Shabalala could return straight to the starting XI after an injury lay off. His inclusion would give Da Cruz more pacy movement in the number 10 role. Ethan Chislett did make some impact but still struggled to match the speed of this league.
The rest of the team looks familiar. Brandon Petersen should keep his place in goal.
New signing Langelihle Phili is likely to start on the bench. The Stellenbosch FC arrival only joined Chiefs recently. Phili enjoyed an excellent campaign last season. He scored nine goals and won both the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.
Faiz Abrahams could also wait for his chance. The winger joined Chiefs from Stellenbosch FC on loan. Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko faces another issue. The Tanzanian midfielder may still be waiting for his work permit.
The expected Kaizer Chiefs XI is: Petersen, Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Ndlovu, Shabalala, Vilakazi, Baartman, Silva.
KAIZER CHIEFS FACE GOLDEN ARROWS
Golden Arrows arrive in Johannesburg during a major rebuild. Pitso Dladla now leads the team. Dladla replaced Manqoba Mngqithi. The former Arrows coach left for Young Africans SC in Tanzania.
The Durban side also lost important players. Siyanda Ndlovu joined reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ndlovu scored four goals and provided eight assists last season. Isaac Cissé also left the club. The Ivorian midfielder completed a move to Belgian side Royal Charleroi SC. His departure leaves another major hole in the Arrows midfield.
Chiefs therefore enter Sunday’s clash with an opportunity. They can make an early statement in the MTN8. The match kicks off at 18:00 at FNB Stadium.
