Coach Steve Komphela has handed Lewis Macha his first start in an Absa Premiership match The Zambian striker will partner Michelle Katsvairo up-front in this afternoon’s clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Macha, however, did start early in the season in the MTN8 quarterfinal against Cape Town City. He has also come on three times as a substitute (two league matches, one cup). The Zambian striker joined Chiefs at the beginning of this season, but his progress has been hampered a few times due to injuries.

Compared to Amakhosi’s last competitive match before the Fifa break, against Free State Stars, Sibusiso Khumalo comes in for Tsepo Masilela and Macha replaces Bernard Parker.

Amakhosi face Mamelodi Sundowns on the road this Saturday afternoon in an Absa Premiership match at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld (kick-off is at 15:30).

The encounter will be refereed by Daniel Bennett.

Chiefs' line up: Khune, captain (32); Mphahlele (2), Mathoho (3), Gordinho (26), Khumalo (13); Tshabalala (14), Katsande (31), Cardoso (4), Maluleka (12); Macha (19), Katsvairo (8)

Subs: Khuzwayo (16), Masilela (24), Lebese (17), Manqele (22), Buchanan (10), Parker (25) Chirambadare (11)

Head Coach: Steve Komphela

Sundowns’ line-up: Onyango (36); Moreno (27), Arendse (6), Nascimento (16), Langerman (4); Laffor (28), Kekana, captain (8), Mabunda (13), Dolly (7); Vilikazi (11), Tau (22)

Subs: Mweene (1), Zwane (18), Nthethe (2), Mashaba (19), Mohomi (15), Castro (25), Mbekile (5)

Head coach: Pitso Mosimane

Referee: Daniel Bennett

1st Assistant: Zakhele Siwela

2nd Assistant: Xolani Duma

4th Official: Phillip Tinyani

Match Commissioner: Enock Molefe