By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs have named both Itumeleng Khune and Daniel Akpeyi in their squad for their Caf Champions League semifinal, first leg against Wydad Casablanca on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V Stadium.
Akpeyi has not played since going off with concussion against Bloemfontein Celtic on May 1, while injury has meant Khune has not featured for Kaizer Chiefs since a 1-0 loss to Chippa United on April 28.
Bruce Bvuma has manned the goals in their absence, including in the Champions League quarterfinals against Simba SC, which Kaizer Chiefs won 4-3 on aggregate to advance to the last four.
Dillon Sheppard and Arthur Zwane will be on the bench again in Casablanca, with new Kaizer Chiefs head coach Stuart Baxter still awaiting his work permit, though Baxter is making the trip to Morocco with the team, who were scheduled to leave on Wednesday evening.
“Just as in the last two DStv Premiership games of the season, coaches Arthur Zwane and Dillon Sheppard will continue to sit on the bench while newly appointed coach Stuart Baxter and the club’s administration work on obtaining his work permit,”said Chiefs.
“Coach Baxter will however travel with the team to the North African country as the team gets ready for the all-important semi-final game against two-time Caf Champions League winners.”
Kaizer Chiefs are already missing plenty of experience in Casablanca, with Khama Billiat a long-term injury casualty, and Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Lebo Manyama also out injured, along with Dumisani Zuma.
Kaizer Chiefs Squad:
Goalkeepers: Bruce Bvuma, Daniel Akpeyi, Itumeleng Khune
Defenders: Njabulo Blom, Philani Zulu, Daniel Cardoso, Reeve Frosler, Kgotso Moleko, Siyabonga Ngezana, Yagan Sasman, Darrel Matsheke, Erick Mathoho, Anthony Agay
Midfielders: Kearyn Baccus, Willard Katsande, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Happy Mashiane
Forwards: Lazalous Kambole, Bernard Parker, Leonardo Castro, Samir Nurković
Meanwhile Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has also released his 25-man squad set to face Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
Al Ahly full squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shennawy, Ali Lotfy, Mostafa Shobier
Defenders: Badr Benoun, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, Ayman Ashraf, Mahmoud Wahid, Saad Samir, Ahmed Ramadan Beckham, Ali Maaloul
Midfielders: Aliou Dieng, Amr El-Sulaya, Akram Tawfik, Mohamed Hamdy, Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Mahmoud Kahraba, Walid Soliman, Nasser Maher, Hussein El-Shahat, Taher Mohamed Taher
Forwards: Mohamed Sherif, Walter Bwalya, Salah Mohsen and Junior Ajayi.