Kaizer Chiefshave made several signings during this transfer period and could line up differently in the upcoming Soweto Derby.
Amakhosi will face their rivals, Orlando Pirates, in the first Soweto derby of the season on 1 February. The stakes are high for the Glamour Boys, who are looking to rebuild following a disappointing 2023/24 season.
With Nasreddine Nabi taking over as coach in July, the club appears to be moving in the right direction. Currently, Chiefs are in fifth place in the Betway Premiership and trail Pirates by six points, despite having played four matches more.
Ahead of the Soweto Derby, let’s take a look at how Kaizer Chiefs could line up:
Bruce Bvuma
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has been the standout performer among the Amakhosi keepers. With new signing Fiacre Ntwari not convincing and Brandon Petersen being indecisive, Nabi seems to prefer Bvuma.
Njabulo Blom
With Dillan Solomons sidelined due to injury, Nabi has shifted Blom to right-back. Before the Soweto Derby, he might choose between Blom or Reeve Frosler for that position.
Miguel Inacio
The Angolan international has established himself in the Amakhosi defence. As long as he avoids a red card against Free Agents, expect him to feature against the Buccaneers.
Rushwin Dortley
The young Bafana Bafana star has been solid for the Chiefs in defence. He will certainly face a challenge against players like Relebohile Mofokeng next weekend.
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
The Motswana international has fought his way back into the team. Although he usually plays as a centre-back, he has impressed when deployed at left-back. With regular left-back Bradley Cross returning from injury, Ditlhokwe may start in the derby. However, given how vulnerable he has looked since his return, Nabi might hesitate to field him against the mighty Bucs.
Sibongiseni Mthethwa
The Ox has been in excellent form since December and deserves a start in the derby for Kaizer Chiefs.
Samkelo Zwane
The young midfielder has impressed under Nabi this season. Given the freedom to operate in the centre of the park, Zwane has developed as a player and should start ahead of Yusuf Maart.
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates meet in Soweto Derby
Mduduzi Shabalala
At just 21 years old, Shabalala has been Amakhosi’s best player, scoring four goals so far. If Chiefs are to beat Pirates, Mdu needs to be at his best.
George Matlou
The often-overlooked midfielder showed promise in the match against Sekhukhune United. He could get a chance to impress again in the Nedbank Cup this weekend.
Wandile Duba
Duba’s ability to track back has made him an asset in defending. The 20-year-old is likely to be a starter for Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby.
Ashley Du Preez/ Tashreeq Morris
The last time these two teams met was almost a year ago, and Du Preez scored a brace in that match. He will likely be eager to test the Bucs’ defence once again.
Morris has scored two goals this season for SuperSport but might be a surprise package.
Who do you want to see in the starting lineup for Chiefs?
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