Coach Ernst Middendorp has made some changes for this afternoon’s Absa Premiership clash against Maritzburg United in comparison to the last outing, which resulted in a 5-3 win over Bloemfontein Celtic.

Zimbabwean international Khama Billiat returns to the starting XI. Others coming in are defender Siyabonga Ngezana and George Maluleka, who replaces Kearyn Baccus in central midfield.

Samir Nurković (hattrick) and Leonardo Castro (brace) scored the goals against Celtic to help Amakhosi to their eleventh league win this season. The Serb and the Colombian will again form a partnership up-front.

The two central defenders against Maritzburg will be Erick Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso, while Ngezana (right) and Yagan Sasman (left) will cover the wing-back positions.

Willard Katsande will again anchor the midfield. He will be assisted in midfield by Maluleka and Lebogang Manyama, while Billiat will operate more in a forward role.

Match officials are referee Victor Gomes. Emmanuel de Sani and Luvuyo Pupuma are his assistants, while Eugene Mdluli will serve as fourth official.

Amakhosi will face the Team of Choice at Pietermaritzburg’s Harry Gwala Stadium. Kick-off will be at 15:30.

Teams:

Chiefs XI: Akpeyi (40); Ngezana (30), Mathoho (3), Cardoso (4), Sasman (20); Manyama (21), Katsande, captain (31), Maluleka (12). Billiat (11); Castro (8), Nurković (9)

Subs: Bvuma (44), Frosler (39), Ntiya-Ntiya (36), Kambole (7), Baccus (6), Zuma (28), Ngcobo (37)

Coach: Ernst Middendorp

Maritzburg XI: Ofori, captain (31); Mgonyama (45), De Reuck (23), Allie (4), Morgan (5); Claasen (17), Buchanan (8), Timm (6), Kunene (36); Moseamedi (20), Brockie (10)

Subs: Mpandla (30), Sanoka (3), Jappie (11), Shandu (26), Lea’alafa (13), Kutumela (7), Augusto (9)

Coach: Eric Tinkler