Kaizer Chiefs are expected to rotate their starting XI when they face Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night.
The match kicks off at 19:30, just 72 hours after Chiefs suffered a 1-0 defeat to Golden Arrows in the MTN8. With a demanding schedule placing additional pressure on the squad, head coach Fernando Da Cruz is expected to make several changes.
Chiefs expected to freshen up the team
Da Cruz has indicated that squad rotation could be necessary, with Asanele Velebayi and Flávio Silva among those tipped to return to the starting lineup.
Mduduzi Shabalala is also expected to feature after recovering from injury. He could replace Nkosingiphile Ngcobo in the attacking midfield role.
In central midfield, Siphesihle Ndlovu could come into the side for new signing Adolf Mtasingwa, who found the pace of his first Betway Premiership appearance challenging.
There could also be a change on the right flank, with Dillan Solomons reportedly in line to start ahead of Mfundo Vilakazi.
Meanwhile, Ethan Chislett and Pule Mmodi are expected to provide attacking options from the bench.
Kaizer Chiefs’ expected starting XI
Based on the expected changes, Chiefs could line up as follows:
Brandon Petersen; Thabiso Monyane, Inacio Miguel, Zitha Kwinika, Reeve Frosler; Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu; Mduduzi Shabalala, Asanele Velebayi, Dillan Solomons; Flávio Silva.
The Amakhosi will be hoping the refreshed lineup can produce a stronger performance after their disappointing MTN8 exit.
Cédric Kaze returns to FNB Stadium
One of the evening’s biggest storylines will be Cédric Kaze’s return to Kaizer Chiefs.
The Sekhukhune United coach previously worked with the Amakhosi and will now return to FNB Stadium looking to extend his perfect start with Babina Noko.
Kaze has won both of his matches since taking charge. Sekhukhune began their Betway Premiership campaign with a 1-0 victory over Durban City, before producing a dramatic 4-3 extra-time win over AmaZulu in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
That impressive start means Sekhukhune arrive in Johannesburg full of confidence and unbeaten under Kaze.
For the coach, facing his former club is likely to be an emotional occasion, but the priority will be maintaining Sekhukhune’s winning momentum.
Will Chiefs respond with a strong performance, or can Kaze make a statement against his former club?
