Kaizer Chiefs are forced to make a number of changes to the team that will face AmaZulu FC this evening when compared to the XI that last played Cape Town City FC more than two weeks ago, before the FIFA break. The reasons for some of the changes are due to some players returning late from international duty and others carrying injuries. Amakhosi had five players called up by four different countries, including South Africa, Venezuela, Botswana and Mozambique.

While coach Molefi Ntseki will be happy to have Letlhogonolo George Matlou back from injury, the Amakhosi mentor will be forced to make another change in attack as Ashley Du Preez misses the game after picking up an injury at training during the week.

The coach will go all out in the match as he tries to have a go at the league’s second cup of the season after missing out on the MTN8 cup.

This League Cup competition has landed at Naturena a record 13 times under different sponsors and Amakhosi will want to add this new one to their cabinet under the guise, of the Carling Knockout Cup.

This must-win last-16 match sees coach Molefi Ntseki change his front four from those that faced Cape Town City. Matlou is back in the team in place of Edson Castillo in midfield. Castillo travelled home to Venezuela for national duty and returned recently to South Africa. On the wings, Tebogo Potsane replaces Pule Mmodi, Keagan Dolly comes on for Christian Saile and lastly, the injured Ashley Du Preez is replaced by Ranga Chivaviro.

Chiefs will tackle this match with a 4-3-3 formation.

Itumeleng Khune is in goal. He is deputised on the bench by Bruce Bvuma, as Brandon Petersen is still out with an injury.

Fresh from national duty with his country of birth Mozambique, Edmilson Dove is at left-back. Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is back from representing Botswana and will continue as centre-back with Njabulo Ngcobo. Reeve Frosler retains his position on the right of Amakhosi’s defence.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa gets to start after travelling to the Ivory Coast with Bafana Bafana. He will work with Yusuf Maart in midfield. They will have Matlou just in front of them.

On the wings, Chiefs have Dolly on the left and Potsane on the right.

Chivaviro leads the attack

Khune will captain the team.

The referee for this match is Abongile Tom. He will be assisted by Luyanda Nondala and Sbusiso Sisilana. The fourth official is Philangenkosi Khumalo.

The round of 16 match of the Carling Knockout Cup between Amakhosi and Usuthu kicks off at 18:00 at FNB Stadium in Nasrec. The match is live on SuperSport’s PSL Channel 202 on DStv and SABC radio stations - with regular updates of the match on Twitter @KaizerChiefs.

Line-ups:

Chiefs XI: Khune © (32), Dove (2), Ditlhokwe (24), Nj Ngcobo (27), Frosler (39), Mthethwa (5), Maart (8), Matlou (22), Potsane (11), Dolly (10), Chivaviro (7)

Subs: Bvuma (44); Kwinika (4), Msimango (25), Solomons (18), Mdantsane (3), Castillo (17), Mmodi (13), Saile Basomboli (21), Gonzalez (14)

Coach: Molefi Ntseki

AmaZulu XI: Mothwa © (44), Sikhakhane (5), Hanamub (14), Mphahlele (23), Fielies (43), Gumede (17),  Motshwari (8), Brooks (4), Moremi (19), Ekstein (27), Ngema (20)

Subs: Mzimela (1), Mabiliso (42), Jooste (26), Zulu (24), Maluleka (12), Human (21), Mbanjwa (15), Kwem (9), Dion (33)

Coach: Pablo Franco