Newly promoted Kruger United are hosting Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium in their first-ever Betway Premiership match, although kick-off has been delayed until 20:15.
The fixture marks the beginning of a new top-flight campaign for Kruger United, who earned promotion after winning the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season. They face a Kaizer Chiefs side starting the season under new head coach Fernando da Cruz, who has replaced Nasreddine Nabi.
The visitors have strengthened their squad with Thabo Moloisane and Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko and will be aiming to begin the campaign with a victory.
Kruger United have also added experience ahead of their first season in the division, bringing in Katlego Mohamme, Kwanda Mngonyama and Thabang Sibanyoni. Fiacre Ntwari is available to play against his parent club, Kaizer Chiefs, while on loan at the newly promoted team.
The hosts are expected to defend deep and look for opportunities on the counter-attack. Kaizer Chiefs, also known as Amakhosi or the Glamour Boys, will seek to control possession and dictate the pace of the contest.
Although Kaizer Chiefs begin as favourites, the opening weekend can present challenges for established sides facing newly promoted opposition.
The live feed recorded an early Kaizer Chiefs attack, with Chislett sending in a dangerous cross before Silva could attempt a shot. The match listing initially showed a 15:00 kick-off at Mbombela Stadium, but the start has since been moved to 20:15.
Kruger United’s starting line-up is Dandjinou S in goal, with Mohamme K as captain, alongside Sibiya S, Matima M, Seedat E, Makhubela N, Nel M, Ndlovu K, Malatjie B, Mphothe A and Thwala N.
Their substitutes are Tshabalala, Saralina, Mahlangu, Tevengwa, Fakude, Makhubela, Mkhonza, Zwane and Ndlela.
Kaizer Chiefs name Petersen in goal, with Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Ndlovu, Chislett, Da Silva, Baartman and Vilakazi completing the starting XI.
The Kaizer Chiefs substitutes are Leaner, Solomons, Nkgwesa, Moloisane, Mthethwa, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Ighodaro and Duba.
The match is being followed alongside reports that Appollis and Moremi sealed Orlando Pirates’ first win of the season.
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