Kaizer Chiefs news | Possible Amakhosi starting 11 to take on Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs are moments away from announcing their starting XI to take on Mamelodi Sundowns in their MTN8 quarter-final.

We look at the options available for Amakhosi in each position and the players that Stuart Baxter is likely to select for this crucial encounter.

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GOALKEEPER

Candidates: Daniel Akpeyi, Bruce Bvuma, Itumeleng Khune and Brandon Peterson.

The story so far: All four candidates have proven their worth when given time on the pitch. More recently, Peterson’s heroics against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup added him to the mix. It is already a tight battle for the starting birth in-goal at Chiefs after the original three musketeers played their part in Chiefs CAF Champions league campaign where they made their first-ever final in the tournament.

Verdict: Khune could very well start given his experience and reputation under Baxter.

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DEFENDERS

Candidates: Sifiso Hlanti, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Daniel Cardoso, Eric Mathoho, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Siyabonga Ngezana, Njabulo Ngcobo, Austin Dube, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya and Reeve Frosler

The story so far: Hlanti and Mabiliso have both recently joined Amakhosi and are expected to battle it out for the starting role at Left-back. Hlanti is the more experienced of the two. At center-back Chiefs are equally blessed with multiple options at the back. New signings Njabulo Ngcobo and Austin Dube will be keen to get a chance. We all know how good Ngcobo can be but Baxter is likely to opt with the tried and tested. Eric Mathoho is their most experienced defender having played for Chiefs for the last decade. Frosler

Verdict: Hlanti, Mathoho, Cardoso and Mphahlele

MIDFIELDERS:

Candidates: Cole Alexander, Njabulo Blom, Phathutshedzo Nange, Teddy Akumu, Kearyn Baccus, Sabelo Radebe, Darrel Matsheke, Bernard Parker.

The story so far: Nkonsigiphile Ngcobo is expected to be rested after his recent under-23 appearances at the Tokyo Olympics. Radebe showed huge promise against the Buccaneers last weekend and Nange is keen to show why he was brought to Amakhosi. Cole Alexander is one man that could very well earn his first start for Chiefs. He was coached by Baxter and it is a player that he trusts having worked with him and brought him over to Chiefs. Parker is a club legend and veteran and was an instrumental part of Baxter’s 2015 PSL triumph. Unfortunately, star midfielder Lebogang Manyama is injured. Dumisani Zuma will also miss this match.

Verdict: Cole Alexander, Njabulo Blom and Kearyn Baccus but Bernard Parker could very well start too.

FORWARD

Candidates: Khama Billiat, Keagan Dolly, Samir Nurkovic, Kgaogelo Sekgota and Lazarous Kambole

The story so far: Billiat is fit and raring to go against his old club while Dolly is now the highest-paid player in the DStv Premiership but has been told to shed some pounds by Baxter ahead of the new season. Leonardo Castro is injured and Sekgota set the excitement of Chiefs fans alight when he came off the bench against the Bucs last weekend.

Verdict: Billiat, Nurkovic and Sekgota to earn his first start, Dolly’s debut is dependent on his match fitness in the eyes of Baxter.

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The crucial match takes place at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 15:00 (SAT Time).