The Molefi Ntseki era begins today as the former national team coach takes charge of his first game at the helm of Kaizer Chiefs when he leads the Glamour Boys in the new season against Chippa United in the DStv Premiership.

Ntseki took over during the off season where the team released five players and signed seven new ones, who are expected to help the team in the 2023/24 season.

The team did play in a few friendly matches where the coach tested a few combinations to ensure that they are ready for the test.

This game is special in that the team will be wearing the new Kappa kit for the first time after changing technical sponsors after 22 years with the previous one.

Another notabale thing is that Kaizer Chiefs will play with a specially designed Kappa ball for the first time in history.

After missing out on a number of matches due to injury last season, coach Ntseki will be happy to have Nkosingiphile Ngcobo back in the team. Another plus will be the recovery of Ashley Du Preez and newcomer Ranga Chivaviro.

However, the team is without Keagan Dolly who is still out injured and winger Pule Mmodi, who is dealing with a bereavement following his mother’s passing.

Coach Ntseki will start with a 4-5-1 for this afternoon’s fixture.

Petersen is this afternoon’s goalkeeper.

At the back, Chiefs will have S’fiso Hlanti at the left-back position, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Given Msimango at the centre of defence and Reeve Frosler is on the right.

Yusuf Maart will be joined by Venezuelan Edson Castillo, in the holding role. They will have Mduduzi Shabalala on the left wing, Christian Saile Basomboli on the right and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo operating from behind the striker.

Newcomer Ranga Chivaviro leads Amakhosi’s attack.

Petersen will wear the captain’s armband.

The referee is Jelly Chavani. He is assisted by Kgara Mokoena and Sbusiso Sisilana. The fourth official is Jo.

The first game of the season for Amakhosi against the Chilli Boys between commences at 15:00 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The match will be live on SuperSport’s PSL Channel 202 on DStv and various SABC radio stations - with regular updates of the match on Twitter @KaizerChiefs.

Line-ups:

Chiefs XI: Petersen (1), Hlanti (23), Ditlhokwe (24), Msimango (25), Frosler (39), Maart © (8), Castillo (17), Nk Ngcobo (12), Shabalala (42), Basomboli (21), Chivaviro (7)

Subs: Bvuma (44); Nj Ngcobo (27), Kwinika (4), Sithebe (6), Zwane (37), Mdantsane (3), Radebe (33), Potsane (11), Du Preez (9)

Coach: Molefi Ntseki

Chippa XI: Nwabali (32); Pietersen © (5), Mosele (20), Mulenga (15), Lebitso (28), Chabalala (33), Luthuli (13), Mdunywela (2), Ntsabo (3), Ndwandwe (17), Konqobe (24)

Subs: Kazapua (1); Kammies (25), Mbenyane (7), Banda (4), Majogoro (19), Memela (10), Martin (30), Nkwanyana (21), Maarman (11), Molaoa (18)

Coach: Morgan Mammila