Kaizer Chiefs make a return to Cape Town for their first league match of the year, facing Cape Town City at Athlone Stadium. The highly anticipated sold-out fixture marks the second encounter between the two teams this season, following their previous clash at FNB Stadium back in October.

After a three-week hiatus since their last game, which was the Soweto Derby in early March, Amakhosi find themselves facing some challenges. Coach Cavin Johnson is grappling with the absence of several key players due to injury and suspension. Yusuf Maart and Edson Castillo are both sidelined due to accumulating four yellow cards each, while Nkosingiphile Ngcobo joins the injury list after sustaining an ankle injury during training. The team, however, receives a boost with the return of Edmilson Dove, who missed the last two matches due to suspension.

In the league standings, Kaizer Chiefs currently occupy 4th place with 29 points from 20 matches, while Cape Town City sits closely behind in 5th place with 31 points, also from 20 games.

Coach Johnson has made five changes to the starting lineup compared to their previous match against Pirates on March 9th. Notable changes include Dove replacing Reeve Frosler in defense, and Mduduzi Shabalala taking Ngcobo’s place in midfield. Wandile Duba leads the attack for Amakhosi in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Bruce Bvuma returns as goalkeeper, supported by a defensive lineup consisting of S’fiso Hlanti, Dove, Given Msimango, and Zitha Kwinika. The midfield is held by Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Siyethemba Sithebe, while the attacking wingers are Pule Mmodi and Ashley Du Preez. Shabalala operates behind the main striker, Duba.

Given Maart’s absence, Msimango assumes the captain’s armband for Kaizer Chiefs, while Aden McCarthy, son of former player Fabian McCarthy, earns a place on the bench after his promotion from the youth structures.

The match, officiated by referee Philangenkosi Khumalo with assistance from Kamohelo Ramutsindela and Xolani Hlatshwayo, kicks off at 15:30 at Athlone Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on SuperSport’s PSL Channel 202 on DStv, SABC 1, and SABC radio stations, with updates available on Kaizer Chiefs’ Twitter handle @KaizerChiefs.