Posted in News, Team News on Feb 18, 2024.
Kaizer Chiefs restart their 2023-24 DStv Premiership campaign with an away match this afternoon in Pietermaritzburg against Royal AM.
The team has been in preparations for the past four weeks while Bafana Bafana and 23 other nations were in the Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Having picked up three victories and one draw in the last four matches before the Afcon break, coach Cavin Johnson and his soldiers will want to continue on their unbeaten streak, with the eyes focused on the big prize at the end of the season.
Ahead of their first game of 2024, Amakhosi are in 6th position on the log with 24 points after 16 games. The hosts, Royal AM are in 14th position, after collecting 18 points in the 15 matches that they have played so far this season.
Coach Johnson has indicated that Keagan Dolly and Ashley Du Preez have both made full recoveries after struggling with injuries during the first half of the season. However, George Matlou, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe are still out of action. Tebogo Potsane, Edmilson Dove and Mduduzi Mdantsane have joined them in the doctor’s rooms.
One move that will excite many Chiefs supporters will be to see the young Mfundo ‘Obrigado’ Vilakazi in the team this afternoon. The 18-year sensation will be on the bench and could make an appearance later in the game.
The injuries have forced the coach to make several changes to the team that travelled to the last match on 30 December against Sekhukhune.
Dove will be replaced by Njabulo Ngcobo at the back, while in midfield Edson Castillo comes on for Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Jasond Gonzalez makes way for Christian Saile up front.
The coach will retain his 4-3-3 formation.
Bruce Bvuma is the goalkeeper.
S’fiso Hlanti will be at left-back, Njabulo Ngcobo joins Given Msimango at centre-back, and Reeve Frosler is on the right of Amakhosi’s defence.
Castillo returns to work with Yusuf Maart in the middle of the park. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo will be in front of the two midfielders.
On the wings, Chiefs will have Pule Mmodi on the left and Christian Saile on the right-wing.
Ashley Du Preez leads the attack this afternoon.
Maart is the captain for the day.
The match officials are referee Masixole Bambiso, with Khamusi Razwimisani and Bongani Matete as his assistants. The match’s fourth official is Sikhumbuzo Gasa.
The DStv Premiership clash between The Glamour Boys and Thwihli Thwahla will kick off at 15:30 at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The match is live on SuperSport’s PSL Channel 202 on DStv and SABC radio stations - with regular updates of the match on X (Twitter) @KaizerChiefs.
Chiefs XI: Bvuma (32), Hlanti (23), Nj Ngcobo (27), Msimango (25), Frosler (39), Maart © (8), Castillo (17), Nk Ngcobo (12), Mmodi (13), Du Preez (9), Saile Basomboli (21)
Subs: Petersen (44); Kwinika (4), Mthethwa (5), Mashiane (19), Vilakazi (28), Shabalala (42), Dolly (11), Duba (36), Gonzalez (14)
Coach: Cavin Johnson
RAM XI: Nyame (16), Mabuza (28), Jiyane (42), Shezi (15), Matlaba (14), Mahlasela © (12), ), Dlamini (5), Magaqa (26), Masuku (50), Maxwele (36), Macuphu (9)
Subs: Mpoto (25); Msomi (2), Mashiane (38), Thikazi (34), Ndlovu (22), Sithole (44), Sikakane (3), Cele (77), Sera (33)
Coach: John Maduka
