Thabo Moloisane handed surprise Kaizer Chiefs debut against Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs have handed Thabo Moloisane a surprise first start for their Betway Premiership meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, while Bathusi Aubaas comes into the Sundowns midfield in place of the injured Teboho Mokoena.

Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has selected Moloisane in a four-man defence alongside Miguel Inacio, Zitha Kwinika and Thabiso Monyane. The decision represents the most notable change in an otherwise strong Amakhosi line-up for the anticipated fixture.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Siphesihle Ndlovu will provide the midfield base for Chiefs, with Lebohang Maboe, Luke Baartman, Pule Mmodi and Langelihle Phili included among the attacking options.

Baartman, Mmodi and Phili will be expected to carry much of the threat for the home side, while Maboe offers another attacking presence from midfield. Mthethwa and Ndlovu have been chosen to add strength and control in the centre of the pitch.

Moloisane’s inclusion is the main talking point in the Chiefs selection. He will make his first start for the club in a defensive unit completed by Monyane, Kwinika and Miguel Inacio.

Sundowns have also named an experienced starting XI, with coach Miguel Cardoso relying on a familiar defensive group to deal with the attacking threat presented by Chiefs.

Grant Kekana, Kegan Johannes, Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba will form the Sundowns defence, with the quartet tasked with limiting the influence of Baartman, Mmodi and Phili.

Cardoso was forced to make a change in midfield after Mokoena was ruled out through injury. Aubaas takes his place and will line up alongside Marcelo Allende and Sphelele Mkhulise.

The Sundowns attack will be led by Tashreeq Matthews, Antonio van Wyk and Brayan Leon. Their combination will be responsible for testing a Chiefs defence featuring debutant Moloisane.

Both coaches have selected line-ups that include a blend of trusted senior players and attacking options, setting up a competitive Betway Premiership contest.

Kaizer Chiefs: Petersen, Thabiso Monyane, Zitha Kwinika, Miguel Inacio, Thabo Moloisane, Lebohang Maboe, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Pule Mmodi, Luke Baartman, Langelihle Phili.

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Grant Kekana, Kegan Johannes, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Sphelele Mkhulise, Marcelo Allende, Bathusi Aubaas, Antonio van Wyk, Tashreeq Matthews, Brayan Leon.