Kruger United and Kaizer Chiefs announce starting XIs for Betway Premiership clash

Newly promoted Kruger United will make their top-flight debut against Kaizer Chiefs at Mbombela Stadium tonight, with both teams having confirmed their starting line-ups for the Betway Premiership match.

The fixture will also mark the first official game in charge of Chiefs for new head coach Fernando Da Cruz.

The Frenchman has returned to the club after Chiefs decided to replace co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Yousseff, despite the pair guiding Amakhosi to third place in the league last season and securing qualification for the CAF Confederations Cup.

That achievement was not enough to convince Chiefs’ management to retain the coaching partnership. Da Cruz had previously arrived at the club alongside Nasreddine Nabi, but left soon afterwards to take up a position with the Moroccan Football Federation.

Chiefs have now handed him responsibility for their opening assignment against a Kruger side competing in the top flight for the first time.

Kruger United earned promotion after finishing at the summit of the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Abraham Mongoya’s team recorded 18 victories and four defeats in 30 matches, collecting 62 points and finishing eight points clear of their nearest challengers.

They also brought their campaign to a strong conclusion, going unbeaten in their final eight matches with seven wins and one draw.

The two clubs have not previously met, adding another element of interest to an encounter being staged at Mbombela Stadium.

Kruger United will start with Dandjinou in goal, behind a defence of Mohamme, Sibiya, Matima and Seedat. Makhubela, Nel and Ndlovu are named in midfield, while Malatjie, Mphothe and Thwala form the attacking unit.

Their substitutes are Tshabalala, Saralina, Mahlangu, Tavengwa, Faked, Mkhonza, Zwane and Ndlela.

Kaizer Chiefs will line up with Petersen as goalkeeper. Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel and Frosler make up the defensive line, with Maboe, Ndlovu and Chislett selected in midfield.

Da Silva, Baartman and Vilakazi will lead the Chiefs attack.

The Kaizer Chiefs substitutes are Leaner, Solomons, Nkgwesa, Moloisane, Mthethwa, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Ighodaro and Duba.

Kruger United starting XI: Dandjinou, Mohamme, Sibiya, Matima, Seedat, Makhubela, Nel, Ndlovu, Malatjie, Mphothe, Thwala

Substitutes: Tshabalala, Saralina, Mahlangu, Tavengwa, Faked, Mkhonza, Zwane, Ndlela

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI: Petersen, Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Ndlovu, Chislett, Da Silva, Baartman, Vilakazi

Substitutes: Leaner, Solomons, Nkgwesa, Moloisane, Mthethwa, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Ighodaro, Duba