Kaizer Chiefs have sold all tickets made available for their MTN8 quarter-final against Golden Arrows, ensuring a full house for their first home match of the season.
The Amakhosi confirmed the sell-out ahead of a fixture that carries an added historical connection. When Kaizer Chiefs last won the MTN8, in 2014, Golden Arrows were among the teams they defeated on their way to the final.
That link has raised the prospect of history repeating itself as the two sides prepare to meet again in the knockout competition. Chiefs will also enter the match with confidence after beginning their league campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kruger United last weekend.
The result provided an encouraging start for the club and has helped build anticipation among supporters before their first competitive home appearance of the season. The demand for tickets means the team will face Golden Arrows in front of a strong home crowd.
Golden Arrows had a less decisive opening to their league campaign. They were held to a goalless draw away to Chippa United in their first fixture, leaving them still searching for a first win of the season.
The MTN8 tie therefore offers both clubs an opportunity to make progress in a cup competition, with Chiefs looking to continue the momentum created by their opening league victory and Golden Arrows aiming to respond after their draw.
Kaizer Chiefs’ listed starting line-up is Petersen, Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Mtasingwa, Ngcobo, Baartman, Vilakazi and Duba.
Their substitutes are Leaner, Solomons, Nkgwesa, Moloisane, Mthethwa, Ndlovu, Shabalala, Ighodaro and Phili.
Golden Arrows’ listed starting line-up is Maova, Jiyane, Dlamini, Mabaso, Van Neel, Shezi, Cele, Maxwele, Dion, Khumalo and Zwane.
The Golden Arrows substitutes are Mbanjwa, Gasa, Mantshiyane, Khumalo, Sithole, Mbatha, Karelse, Van Rooi and Rakosa.
The sold-out announcement adds to the occasion for Kaizer Chiefs, whose supporters will be eager to see how the side performs in its first home game of the campaign. Golden Arrows will attempt to spoil that occasion and advance at the expense of the hosts.
The match also comes amid wider South African football interest. Related reports include coverage of Bafana Bafana news, with Mosimane rejecting a salary of R5 million a year, and early talks between Sundowns and FC Copenhagen concerning a Bafana Bafana star.
Readers are also being invited to take part in The South African’s Winter Reader Survey, with a chance to win R5,000.