Amakhosi coach Muhsin Ertugral has opted to take a fresh approach to Chiefs second round of league matches which commence on Wednesday evening, when The Amakhosi host Thanda Royal Zulu in Rustenburg.

The Chiefs coach has opted to play with one player in attack and after stating earlier in the week that he intends converting winger Thuso Phala into an attacker, he has completed the process and is utilizing the dimunitive national u-23 player as his lone attacker. After impressing the coach during the recent friendly matches that Chiefs played, Phala was given the go ahead to start ahead of regular strikers Mabhudi Khenyeza and Kaizer Motuang Junior.

The Changes

Muhsin Ertugral has brought Cyril Nzama back into his line up The Amakhosi skipper was dropped from the line up when Chiefs played their final game of 2007 back on the 22nd December last year against Black Leopards. He comes back in for the injured Jimmy Tau while Derrick Spencer who himself picked up an injury in December during a league game against Golden Arrows makes a return to action, Spencer has replaced Fabian McCarthy in the centre of defence. Chiefs only addition to the squad during the January transfer window Michael Nkambule and the promoted Wayne Matle could well get their debuts on Wednesday, as the pair have been included in the match day 18.

Renewed Friendship

Ertugral has said that playing Thuso Phala up front is not an experiment as that stage is over, as he was highly impressed with the way Phala did in attack through the break period and he is convinced that the former Platinum Stars player will deliver on Wednesday by finding the back of the net.

Phala though will come up against former Chiefs players Patrick Mayo and Tshepo Mashishi who will be playing in defence for Thanda, on most peoples mind is the clash between Chiefs and former midfielder Scara Ngobese who recently transferred to Thanda Royal. As it seems the job of keeping Scara quiet will be given to Tinashe Nengomasha who has been played in a dual role with midfield and defensive duties.

Match Information:

Kaizer Chiefs (4-5-1): 32. Itumeleng Khune, 4. Cyril Nzama, 3. Onismor Bhasera, 28. Derrick Spencer, 29. Moketi Tsotetsi, 8. Tinashe Nengomasha, 22. Mandla Masango, 14. Siphiwe Tshabalala, 13. David Obua, 12. Thabo Mooki, 26. Thuso Phala




Substitutes: 16. Emille Baron, 5. Mabhudi Khenyeza, 18. Arthur Zwane, 10. Michael Nkambule, 7. Kaizer Motaung Junior, 20. Sandile Zuke

Coach: Muhsin Ertugral


Assistant Coach: Fani Madida


Goalkeeper Coach: Rainer Dinkelacker

Thanda Royal Zulu (4-4-2): 32. Aime Kitenge, 13. Musa Nyatama, 08.Tshepo Mashishi, 21. Patrick Mayo, 23. Bennett Mnguni, 14. July Mahlangu, 10. Emmanuel Ngobese,

18. Bongani Mbhele, 17. Bernard Parker, 24. Serge Djiehoua




Substitutes: 01. Nimrode Tsengwa, 05. Japie Motale, 16. Clement Mazibuko,

02. James Sangala, 12. Katlegho Loke, 15. Brian Kgafane, 25. Joseph Kribe

Coach: Roger Palmgren

Match Officials


Referee: Peter Mabuza


Assistant 1: Luanda Somi


Assistant 2: Isaac Arendse


4th Official: Gabriel Sekopo


Match Commissioner: Jackie Mabitsela