The PSL season precursor which is the Carling Black Label Cup will once again see pride and bragging rights at stake this afternoon as the two giants of Soweto and South African football, Amakhosi and the Buccaneers collide in the 2021 edition of this popular Soweto Derby friendly at Orlando Stadium this evening.

The pre-season game returns after taking a hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. For the first time, there will not be fans in the stadium for the game due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

History was made this year as Samir Nurković received the highest number of votes for the very first time in history after amassing over 193 000 votes. He was followed by Itumeleng Khune who received over 188 000 votes. Khune holds the record of leading the votes in the last editions of the Carling Cup.

When the two teams met in the league in March 2021, Amakhosi won the match 1-0.

Both teams’ coaches are not responsible for the starting XI as supporters voted for their favourite players. On Chiefs’ side, there are a number of injuries to key players who had received enough votes to start. They include Lebogang Manyama, Dumsani Zuma, Leonardo Castro and Siyabonga Ngezana. Other players who aren’t available are Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Reeve Frosler who were in Tokyo with the Olympic team.

Opponents will also see their captain Happy Jele, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Zakhele Lepasa and attacker Terrence Dzvukamanja miss the match as they have been ruled out through injury.

Coach Stuart Baxter will be joined by Champion Coach Morena Mofokeng in the dugout for the first 50 minutes of the game and then Baxter will take full change of the match in the second half. Rules allow him to implement changes in the second half.

Supporters have selected Itumeleng Khune to be in goal.

In defence Amakhosi will start with Happy Mashiane on the left, Mulomowandau Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso and Ramahlwe Mphahlele will be on the right.

Amakhosi’s midfielders Njabulo Blom and Kearyn Baccus. They will work with Lebohang Lesako and Sabele Radebe.

Amakhosi will attack with Khama Billiat and Samir Nurković.

Itumeleng Khune has once again been selected as the captain.

Some of Amakhosi’s new players are on the bench and expected to get a run in the second stanza.

The referee for this Soweto Derby friendly is Thando Ndzandzeka, who will be assisted by Elphas Sitole and Kamohelo Ramutsindela as his first and second assistant respectively. Zakhele Siwela will carry out his duties as the fourth official.

The 2021 Carling Black Label Cup between The Phefeni Glamour Boys and the Sea Robbers will kick off at 17:00 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. No spectators will be allowed in the stadium. The game will be live on SuperSport Channel 202 and SABC 1, with regular updates of the match on Twitter @KaizerChiefs.

Line-ups:

Chiefs XI:  Khune © (32); Mashiane (19), Cardoso (4); Mathoho (3), Mphahlele (2), Blom (45), Baccus (6), Lesako (47), Radebe (33), Billiat (11),  Nurković (9)

Subs:  Petersen (1), Akpeyi (40), Bvuma (44); Agay (5), Parker (25), Hlanti (23), Nange (24), Sekgota (14), Alexander (17), Kambole (7), Ntiya-Ntiya (36), Mokwena (48), Matsheke (43), Njabulo Ngcobo (27)

Coach: Stuart Baxter

Pirates XI:  Ofori (31); Hlatswayo (14), Maela (23), Jooste (17), Nyauza (5), Motshwari (6), Makaringe (15), Lorch (3); Hotto (11), Monare (16), Mhango (7)

Subs: Sandilands (30), Mpontshane (40); Dlamini (18), Mntambo (32), Mako (29), Zungu (21), Sam (19);  Dlamini (18), Ndlovu (8), Mabaso (44), Mthethwa (39), Tlolane (24), Sesane (38), Makgaka (12), Tshobeni (34), Bophela (43), Cwinyane (27), Radiopane (42), Shandu (26), Mngonyama (38)

Coach: Josef Zinnbauer