Chiefs hand Moloisane surprise debut as Sundowns make Mokoena change

Kaizer Chiefs have included Thabo Moloisane in their starting XI for the first time, while Mamelodi Sundowns have replaced the injured Teboho Mokoena with Bathusi Aubaas for Saturday’s Betway Premiership meeting.

Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has made an unexpected selection in defence, handing Moloisane a starting opportunity alongside Miguel Inacio, Zitha Kwinika and Thabiso Monyane.

The decision means Moloisane will feature in a back four containing both experience and a new element, with Da Cruz opting to introduce the defender from the start for the much-anticipated fixture.

Chiefs’ midfield will be built around the physical presence of Sibongiseni Mthethwa and the energy of Siphesihle Ndlovu. They will be joined in the starting side by Lebohang Maboe, Luke Baartman, Pule Mmodi and Langelihle Phili, as Da Cruz looks to provide attacking threat around his central options.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has selected a familiar defensive unit to deal with Chiefs’ attacking players. Grant Kekana, Kegan Johannes, Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau will be responsible for handling the threat posed by Baartman, Mmodi and Phili.

Cardoso has been forced to alter his midfield because of Mokoena’s injury. Aubaas comes into the side and will line up with the experienced Marcelo Allende and Sphelele Mkhulise.

The Sundowns attack will be led by Tashreeq Matthews, Antonio van Wyk and Brayan Leon.

Both clubs have named strong line-ups for a fixture that has generated considerable anticipation in the Betway Premiership. Chiefs’ selection combines a surprise first start for Moloisane with a midfield featuring Mthethwa and Ndlovu, while Sundowns have retained their trusted defensive group and made one enforced change in the middle of the pitch.

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The confirmed Chiefs line-up is Petersen, Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Moloisane, Maboe, Mthethwa, Ndlovu, Mmodi, Baartman and Phili.

Sundowns will begin with Williams, Kekana, Johannes, Mudau, Modiba, Mkhulise, Allende, Aubaas, Van Wyk, Matthews and Leon.