The exciting young midfielder Hendrick Ekstein will start in tonight’s first Absa Premiership match of the 2016/2017 season against Bidvest Wits at the Bidvest Stadium.

New signee Ramahlwe Mphahlele will make his debut for Kaizer Chiefs in an official game.

Amakhosi, however, will be without the injured Erick Mathoho, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Keagan Buchanan.

Amakhosi beat Wits 1-0 at the Bidvest Stadium last season, with George Maluleka scoring the sole goal. The referee for that encounter was Victor Gomes. He will also take charge of tonight’s clash.

The match between Amakhosi and the Clever Boys will kick-off at 19:30.

Chiefs' line up: Khune, captain (32); Moleko (18), Mphahlele (3), Gordinho (26), Masilela (24); Twala (7), Katsande (31), Maluleka (12), Lebese (17); Ekstein (17), Parker (25)

Subs: Khuzwayo (16), Baloyi (35), Cardoso (4), Khumalo (13), Macha (19), Manqele (22), Letlotlo (21)

Head Coach: Steve Komphela

Wits’ line-up: Josephs (16); Allie (2), Hlatswayo, captain (3), Mkhwanazi (15), Hlanti (13); Pelembe (11), Mlambo (19), Monare (8), Klate (7); Rodgers (9), Mhango (17)

<strong.Subs: Keet (1), Khumalo (4), Gome (6), Ngele (10), Pule (12), Shongwe (22), Malaila (25)

Head coach: Gavin Hunt

Referee: Victor Gomes

1st Assistant: Luvuyo Pupuma

2nd Assistant: Lindikhaya Bolo

4th Official: Bafana Mosia

Match Commissioner: Paulo Marques