The new era is here for Amakhosi as the team takes to the field for the first time under the tutelage of Coach Nasreddine Nabi in the new Betway Premiership season.

With a lot of people looking forward to the Tunisian tactician’s starting team, Coach Nabi has put together an interesting line-up of players, mixing old and new members of the squad for the match against Marumo Gallants this evening.

Chiefs will want to start well in front of this afternoon’s capacity crowd after finishing the previous season in an unfavourable position. Nothing less than three points will make the Amakhosi faithful in Bloemfontein and those who will watch on television happy this afternoon.

Five players will be making their debuts for Chiefs today, joining six others who were part of the squad last season.

While there are a few injuries, and one suspension with Thatayaone Ditlhowe picking up his fourth yellow at the end of last season, the coach is happy that all his internationals returned from the FIFA International break in good health.

Coach Nabi’s team will take to the field with a 4-4-2 formation.

Rwandan international, Fiacre Ntwari makes his debut in goal.

At the back, new players Rushwin Dortley and Inacio Miguel combine at the centre of Amakhosi’s defence. They will have Reeve Frosler to their right and another newcomer, Bradley Cross, on their left.

Yusuf Maart is in midfied. He will have Amakhosi’s youth academy graduates, Mduduzi Shabalala and Samkelo Zwane, joining him, with Gaston Sirino playing as an attacking midfielder.

Ranga Chivaviro and Christian Saile will combine in the attacking roles.

Amakhosi will be captained by Maart this afternoon.

Today’s match referee is Masixole Bambiso. He is assisted by Mervyn van Wyk and Thabo Twayise. The fourth official is Michael Mosemeng.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys’ first Betway Premiership clash of the season against Bahlabane ba Ntwa will kick off at 17:30 at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein. The sold-out match is live on SuperSport’s Variety Channel 202 on DStv and SABC radio stations - with regular updates of the match on X (Twitter) @KaizerChiefs.

Line-ups:

Chiefs XI: Ntwari (30), Frosler (39), Miguel (84), Dortley (14), Cross (48), Maart (8), Zwane (37), Shabalala (42), Sirino (10), Basomboli Saile (21), Chivaviro (7)

Subs: Bvuma (44), Msimango (25), Mashiane (19), Jansen (29), Castillo (17), Ngcobo (12), Du Preez (9), Vilakazi (28), Duba (36)

Coach: Nasreddine Nabi

Gallants XI: Arubi (36), Molangoane (2), Mabotja (21), Rikhotso (3), Matiane (25), Manaka (5), Dhludhu (11), Mlambo (4), Mhango (7), Sithole (26), Mahlatsi (6)

Subs: Akpeyi (16), Nhlapo (50), Chabatsane (18), Nange (14), Mokobodi (8), Wagaba (12), Msendami (22), Mphambaniso (10), Shai (27) 

Coaches: Dan Malesela