Kaizer Chiefs seek to bounce back from MTN8 disappointment when they host Sekhukhune United at FNB Stadium on Wednesday in the South African Premiership.
Under new head coach Fernando da Cruz, Chiefs got their league season off to a winning start with a 3-1 win over Kruger United. However, they were dumped out of the MTN8 at the first hurdle in the quarter-finals, losing 1-0 to Golden Arrows in the quarter-finals.
Wednesday presents a far tougher Premiership test on paper than their opening fixture did. Sekhukhune have consistently challenged the league's 'big three' of Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in recent years.
They are led by recently departed former Kaizer Chiefs co-head coach Cedric Kaze, who led them to a 1-0 win over Durban City in their first Premiership game and a 4-3 win in a goal extravaganza in the MTN8 quarter-finals against AmaZulu.
Key details
Date: Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. CAT
Venue: FNB Stadium
How to watch: The match is scheduled to air on SuperSport's DSTV channel 228
Team news
Kaizer Chiefs are set to come up against their former centre-back stalwart, Daniel Cardoso - who is Sekhukhune's club captain but came on as a substitute for Nyiko Mobbie against AmaZulu.
Sekhukhune no longer have Bradley Grobler - known for causing headaches to the Kaizer Chiefs defence over multiple years - with the veteran striker having joined Stellenbosch on a free transfer.
Another player Sekhukhune allowed to leave the club was goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner - who joined Kazier Chiefs but appears to be behind Brandon Petersen in the pecking order.
Chiefs left-back Bradley Cross - who picked up an injury in preseason - has yet to make his first competitive appearance of the season.
Expected lineups
Kaizer Chiefs
GK Brandon Petersen
LB Reeve Frosler | CB Inácio Miguel | CB Zitha Kwinika | RB Thabiso Monyane
CM Lebo Maboe | CM Adolf Bitegeko
LW Langelihle Phili | AM Wandile Duba | RW Mfundo Vilakazi
ST Etiosa Ighodaro
Sekhukhune United
GK Melusi Buthelezi
LB D'Angelo Shaheed Kazeem | CB Daniel Cardoso | CB Tsepo Matsimbi | RB Tshepho Mashiloane
CM Givemore Khupe | CM Siphesihle Mkhize
LW Lehlohonolo Bradley Mojela | AM Ngoanamello Rammala | RW Tshepo Mokoane
ST Thabang 'Ciro' Mahlangu
Stats
The last three meetings between these teams have seen one win apiece for Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune United and a draw.
Kaizer Chiefs (third) finished ahead of Sekhukhune (fifth) in the league last season for the first time in three years.