Carling Black Label Cup – Orlando Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs starting XIs

Barring any late withdrawals, the Starting XIs for the fan-voted Carling Black Label Cup have been confirmed.

Khune starts in goal for Kaizer Chiefs

In a testament to his popularity with the fans Itumeleng Khune has been named to start in goal for Kaizer Chiefs.

Carling Black Label Cup: Itumeleng Khune, captain of Kaizer Chiefs FC during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 game between Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban on 21 November 2020 © Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

Khune will have the experienced defensive pairing of Erick Mathoho and Daniel Cardoso protecting his goal. Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Happy Mashiane will fill the fullback roles.

Lebogang Manyama is a notable absentee from a fairly young Kaizer Chiefs midfield.

Samir Nurkovic and Khama Billiat partner up front for Kaizer Chiefs.

Orlando Pirates sport an equally experienced central defensive duo with Bafana Bafana skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo teaming up with Innocent Maela.

Deon Hotto and Fortune Makaringe will need to get forward as often as possible to support Gabadinho Mhango up front, who will play as the lone striker thanks to an injury crisis in the Sea Robbers camp.

Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates scores from the penalty during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 football match between Amazulu and Orlando Pirates at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium on 24 October 2020 ©Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

Both Hotto and Makaringe have a keen eye for goal though, so we can expect the defense to be tested despite Pirates’ staffing issues.

Carling Black Label Cup Starting XIs

Pirates: Richard Ofori (GK), Thulani Hlatshwayo, Innocent Maela, Wayde Jooste, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ben Motshwari, Deon Hotto, Fortune Makaringe, Thabang Monare, Gabadinho Mhango.

Chiefs: Itumeleng Khune (GK), Erick Mathoho, Daniel Cardoso, Happy Mashiane, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Lebohang Lesako, Njabulo Blom, Kearyn Baccus, Sabelo Radebe, Samir Nurkovic, Khama Billiat.

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