Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs name starting line-ups for Betway Premiership clash

Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs have announced their starting line-ups for today’s Betway Premiership meeting at Princess Magogo Stadium, with both sides looking to strengthen their positions early in the season.

Richards Bay had faced difficulties in securing a home venue for the fixture, but the club has prepared Princess Magogo Stadium for the highly anticipated contest.

The hosts are still searching for their first league victory of the campaign. They began with a 2-1 defeat by Polokwane City before drawing against Chippa United and Durban City in their next two matches.

Kaizer Chiefs, by contrast, have made a positive start. Amakhosi have collected seven points from the nine available to them and will seek to maintain that momentum in KwaZulu-Natal.

Chiefs will also take confidence from their 1-1 draw with African champions Mamelodi Sundowns last week. A victory by three goals would see them move above rivals Orlando Pirates at the top of the league table.

Richards Bay’s recent home record against Chiefs will provide the visitors with another challenge. The Natal Rich boys have won each of their last three matches against Amakhosi in KwaZulu-Natal, while their most recent defeat in this fixture came in March 2023.

Richards Bay have selected Otieno in goal, with Mcineka, Ndelu, Sikhakhane and Mabuya forming the defensive line.

Mntungwa, Nashixwa and Mthembu will operate in midfield, while Khumalo, Gumede and Xulu have been named in the attacking positions.

Richards Bay’s substitutes are Mtshali, Simelane, Shezi, Zikhali, Mbambo, Nzama, Ndelu, Barns and Mahala.

Kaizer Chiefs will start with Petersen behind a defence featuring Monyane, Miguel, Kwinika and Moloisane.

Maboe and Ndlovu are included in midfield, with Shabalala, Mmodi, Vilakazi and Baartman completing the starting XI.

Chiefs’ substitutes are Leaner, Solomons, Frosler, Mthethwa, Mtasingwa, Duba, Ighodaro, Velebayi and Abrahams.

The match gives Richards Bay an opportunity to end their winless opening to the season, while Chiefs will be aiming to build on their encouraging result against Mamelodi Sundowns and apply pressure at the top of the Betway Premiership standings.