By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley du Preez is not on the starting line-up for Saturday’s crunch encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Du Preez sustained a groin injury in Chiefs’ 3-0 win over Maritzburg United in midweek, and he didn’t finish the game.
The speedy attacker had already opened his goalscoring account for Chiefs when Mduduzi Shabalala took his place on the pitch in the 86th minute.
Cole Alexander is back, playing behind the two strikers and Phathutshedzo Nange is also back after serving two match suspension but will be on the bench for the encounter.
The sold-out signs have gone up at Loftus Stadium for what promises to be one of the most mouth-watering contests in years.
Sundowns have made a stuttering start to the new season and Chiefs are eager to prove their new dawn under Arthur Zwane and would love a big scalp to confirm their revival.
Chiefs have certainly been able to match The Brazilians in the last few seasons, with the previous four meetings ending in a win each and two draws. The AmaKhosi were, in fact, the only team to beat Sundowns in the 2020/21 DStv Premiership season.
If you look at the last 23 games played at the home of Sundowns, both teams have won nine games to go with five draws, making it historically an even contest too.
The fact that Sundowns have also not lost back-to-back league games since the 2017/18 season show how they have been able to bounce back from setbacks.
Kick off is at 15:00 and take a look at how both sides lineup below.
Kaizer Chiefs starting line-up: Bvuma, Solomons, Ngezana, Kwinika, Frosler, Blom, Sithebe, Maart, Alexander, Dolly ©, Billiat Subs: Petersen, Nj. Ngcobo, Nange, Mashiane, Sifama, Radebe, Nk, Ngcobo, Sekgota, Shabalala.
Mamelodi Sundowns starting line-up: Williams, Mudau, Modiba, De Reuck, Onyango, Jali, Mokoena, Maema, Zwane, Sirino, Shalulile.
Subs: D Onyango, Morena, Lebusa, Mkhulise, Kapinga, Nasir, Domingo, Lakay, Kutumela.