Posted in News, Team News on Nov 26, 2023.
Kaizer Chiefs return to action after the recent FIFA International break with a Soweto Derby league match against Moroka Swallows at Dobsonville Stadium. This will be Chiefs’ second Soweto Derby in a row after meeting Orlando Pirates in their last match, which took place just prior to the international break a fortnight ago.
The break was not kind to Amakhosi as the team lost a number of key players to injury, just as the team is looking for maximum points after dropping three points when they hosted the Buccaneers in the big Soweto Derby two weeks ago.
Coach Cavin Johnson has his hands full after going for weeks without Ashley Du Preez and Siyethemba Sithemba, and now losing Itumeleng Khune, Keagan Dolly and Thatayaone Ditlhowkwe (who got injured on international duty with Botswana).
Today’s Soweto Derby is coach Johnson’s fourth match in charge since he took over the reigns in October.
Chiefs find themselves in 11th place in the standings after 12 matches, with 14 points in the bag. Swallows on the other hand are in a comfortable 5th position after collecting 18 points in their last 10 outings
Coach Johnson has had to find balance in his team with the players he has available for selection. Itumeleng Khune is replaced by Bruce Bvuma, who starts his first match of the season. In defence, Reeve Frosler comes on for Zitha Kwinika and S’fiso Hlanti replaces Ditlhokwe. The midfield see Pule Mmodi come in for Edson Castillo, who travelled back to Venezuela during the international break to face Peru and Ecuador. On the right wing, Dolly will be replaced by Christian Saile.
It will once again be a 4-3-3 formation for Amakhosi this afternoon.
Bvuma is the goalkeeper.
Hlanti moves to left-back as Edmilson Dove shifts to the centre-back position to partner . Given Msimango. Frosler will run on the right of Amakhosi’s defence.
Yusuf Maart will hold the midfield with Sibongiseni Mthethwa. The duo will be joined by Nkosingiphile Ngcobo.
On the flanks, Chiefs have Mmodi on the left and Saile will run on the right.
Ranga Chivaviro is the target man.
Maart is the captain of the team.
The match officials are referee Abongile Tom, assisted by Oscar Tsotetsi and Thabo Twayise. The game’s fourth official is Kgara Mokoena.
The DStv Premiership Soweto Derby match between Amakhosi and the Dube Birds will kick off at 15:30 at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. 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.
Chiefs XI: Bvuma (32), Hlanti (23), Dove (2), Msimango (25), Frosler (39), Mthethwa (5), Maart (8), Nk Ngcobo (12), Mmodi (13), Saile Basomboli (21), Chivaviro (7)
Subs: Petersen (44); Kwinika (4), Nj Ngcobo (27), Zwane (37), Castillo (17), Mashiane (19), Radebe (33), Shabalala (42), Gonzalez (14)
Coach: Cavin Johnson
Swallows XI: Akpeyi (16), Sibiya (27), Phillips (27), Mtshali (10), Makhubela (72), Jali (15), Allan (4), Phalane (8), Sam (66), Mabasa (9), Mhango (11)
Subs: Mbanjwa (31), Maponya (25), Tshanini (19), Sibiya (2), Khumalo (14), Malinga (26), Zuma (42), Van Rhyn (12), Rampa (17)
Coach: Steve Komphela
