Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction: Dstv Premiership vs Royal AM

We predict the Kaizer Chiefs starting XI ahead of their DStv Premiership match against Royal AM on Saturday.

Kaizer Chiefs starting XI prediction

Bruce Bvuma is unlikely to hold onto his place in the starting XI after a poor showing against Sundowns but will Stuart Baxter turn to Daniel Akpeyi or Itumeleng Khune. In this case, we believe Baxter will give Khune a shot at redemption.

Erick Mathoho of Kaizer Chiefs celebrates goal with teammates during the 2021 CAF Champions League Quarterfinal match between Kaizer Chiefs and Simba FC on the 15 May 2021 at FNB Stadium/ Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Baxter has tremendous faith in the centre back pairing of Daniel Cardoso and Erick Mathoho despite patchy form as a pairing and Chiefs’ acquisition of PSL defender of the season Njabulo Ngcobo.

On the flanks, it’s expected that Kaizer Chiefs will revert to using Njabulo Blom at right-back while Sifiso Hlanti has no significant rival for his place on the left.

Daniel Cardoso of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 against Baroka FC on 25 August 2021 at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Baxter might be tempted to turn away from using Phathutshedzo Nange and Cole Alexander in symphony after the latter had a poor game against Sundowns. Akumu Agay might get his chance to start this match.

With Manyama not yet at 100 per cent it’s likely that Nkosingiphile Ngcobo will take up a position behind the front three.

That front three should remain unchanged despite drawing a blank last time out, Khama Billiat, Samir Nurkovic and Keagan Dolly seem to be the natural front three for this Kaizer Chiefs squad, at least while Dumisani Zuma is on the sidelines.

Predicted XI

Itumeleng Khune, Njabulo Blom, Daniel Cardoso, Erick Mathoho, Sifiso Hlanti, Phathutshedzo Nange, Akumu Agay, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Khama Billiat, Samir Nurkovic, Keagan Dolly.

Confirmed XI

TBA