Fernando Da Cruz is expected to introduce several new signings when Kaizer Chiefs begin their Betway Premiership campaign against Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening.
The match will be Da Cruz’s first league fixture in charge of Amakhosi, who will be aiming to start the season with a convincing victory. Chiefs have strengthened several areas of their squad during the off-season and could field a number of their new arrivals in the opening match.
Brandon Petersen is set to continue as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. The experienced shot-stopper enjoyed an impressive campaign last season and remains one of the most dependable players in the squad.
At right-back, Thabo Monyane is expected to start ahead of Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons.
New signing Thabo Moloisane could make his competitive debut in central defence alongside Miguel Inacio. The pair were reported to have impressed during pre-season and are likely to be given the responsibility of protecting Petersen’s goal.
Bradley Cross may miss the opener after suffering an injury against Scotland FC. His absence could result in Zitha Kwinika moving to left-back, despite that not being his preferred position.
In midfield, Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko is in line to make his official debut for Kaizer Chiefs. The Tanzania international is expected to bring defensive discipline and control to the centre of the pitch, while his ability to influence the tempo could complement the experience of Lebohang Maboe.
Mfundo Vilakazi is likely to operate in a more advanced midfield position. His creativity will be important as Chiefs look to break down a Kruger United defence that will be determined to make a strong start of its own.
Chiefs are still looking for a prolific striker before the transfer window closes, but Flavio Silva is expected to lead the line on Saturday.
The Portuguese forward could be supported from wide positions by Wandile Duba and new signing Asanele Velebayi. Their pace and direct approach are expected to give Chiefs an attacking threat in the final third.
The predicted Kaizer Chiefs starting XI is: Brandon Petersen; Thabo Monyane, Thabo Moloisane, Miguel Inacio, Zitha Kwinika; Lebohang Maboe, Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko; Mfundo Vilakazi; Wandile Duba, Asanele Velebayi, Flavio Silva.
The fixture at Mbombela Stadium will provide the first competitive indication of how Da Cruz intends to use his reshaped squad, with several new arrivals potentially making an immediate impact as Chiefs begin their Betway Premiership campaign.