Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp kept the news of Shaun Bartlett’s imminent return to first team action a closely guarded secret, many journalists and fans at the Olympia Stadium in Rustenburg were surprised to see the former Bafana Bafana strikers name on the team sheet. Bartlett returns to action for the first time in almost two months, since leaving the field inside the first ten minutes during Chiefs 2-0 loss to SuperSport United on the 6th January with an ankle injury.

The Chiefs coach has also opted to partner Serge Djiehoua in attack with Bartlett, a yet untested striking combination for The Amakhosi, Djiehoua who put up an impressive display for the Chiefs Reserves in midweek. As he scored a brace and over all showed some good form against the Benoni United reserves, takes the place of Kaizer Motaung Junior up front.

There are two more changes to the Chiefs starting eleven to face Amazulu on Saturday evening, Gerald Sibeko and Gert Schalkwyk who started six days ago when Chiefs were edged out via a penalty shoot out by Golden Arrows in the ABSA Cup. Have been replaced by Ditheko Mototo and Shaun Bartlett, with the former replacing Sibeko and Bartlett coming into the attack for Gert Schalkwyk.

Line Up’s:

Kaizer Chiefs: 1. R. Fernandez, 2. J. Tau, 4. C. Nzama, 6. F. McCarthy, 21. P. Mayo, 33. D. Mototo, 18. A. Zwane, 28. D. Spencer, 10. S. Nkosi, 17. S. Bartlett, 9. S. Djiehoua

Substitutes: 32. I. Khune, 12. T. Mooki, 7. K. Motaung Jnr, 27. G. Sibeko, 8. T. Nengomasha, 25. G. Schalkwyk, 11. E. Ngobese

Amazulu: 30. T. Motsoeneng, 25. K. Belux, 2. E. Ntabele,27. M. Carelse, 24. X. Mabaso,

78. T. Mnguni, 23. L. Mzizi, 26. J. Sillo, 7. L. Ngxabi, 19. K. Senamela, 14. S. Ntuli

Substitutes: 33. L. Ncala, 8. D. Lota, 17. T. Tsui, 6. B. Mnguni, 80. A. Molekoa,

20. N. Zwane, 5. B. Matross

Officials:


Referee: Peter Mabuza


1st Assistant: Enoch Molefe


2nd Assistant: Andrew Rezeers


4th Official: Robert Sithole


Match Commissioner: Ian McLeod