Itumeleng Khune makes a return to Kaizer Chiefs’ starting XI against Royal Eagles in the Nedbank Cup this evening. Khune’s last game was against Barokain October 2019. He was substituted after suffering an injury in the first half of the match.

Khune is one of three changes made by Chiefs to the starting line-up against Royal Eagles when compared with the last game against Golden Arrows two weeks ago. Khune replaces Daniel Akpeyi, Kgotso Moleko will be replaced by Reeve Frosler and Kearyn Baccus will come on for Dumsani Zuma.

Notably, Khama Billiat will be on the bench after recovering from injury. His last game was in December against Maritzburg United.

‘Mzansi’s number 1’ as Khune is affectionately known reclaims the captain’s armband from Willard Katsande for this evening’s cup match.

Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya will play at his natural left back position.Mulomowandau Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso will be at the centre of the defence. Reeve Frosler will be on the right of Chiefs’ defence.

Willard Katsande will hold the midfield with George Maluleka. They will be joined by Kearyn Baccus.

Lebogang Manyama will be behind the two marksmen, Leornado Castro and Samir Nurković.

The officiating will be done by referee  Tshidiso Maruping. He will be assisted by Kenneth Mamegwa and Moeketsi Molelekoa. The fourth official is TinyikoHlungwani.

The Nedbank Cup round of 32 clash between Amakhosi and Eagles will kick off at 18:00 at FNB Stadium.

Teams:

Chiefs XI: Khune © (32); Frosler (39), Mathoho (3), Cardoso (4), Ntiya-Ntiya(36); Katsande (31), Maluleka (12), Baccus (6), Manyama (21); Castro (8), Nurković (9)

Subs: Akpeyi (40), Mphahlele (2), Ngezana (30), Agay (5), Billiat (11),Mashiane (19), Parker (25)

Coach: Ernst Middendorp

Eagles XI: Maova (41); Kalake (14), Klaas (3), Tema (24), Mashau © (21);Maruping (49); Msomi (8); Mduli (25); Seanego (37); Hlongwa (36), Ntsundwana (45)

Subs: Dlamini (23), Kizza (11), Zikalala (35), Matima (4), Ntswane (50), Maluleke (5), Mongae (13)

Coach: Phuthi Mohafe