Gavin Hunt, coach of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2020 MTN8 QuarterFinal match between Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 18 October 2020 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs: Selecting the ideal Amakhosi starting lineup
Kaizer Chiefs will need to be at their best should they wish to defeat Primeiro de Agosto this evening but what’s their best available lineup?
Gavin Hunt, coach of Kaizer Chiefs during the 2020 MTN8 QuarterFinal match between Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 18 October 2020 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs’ campaign can look a lot more prettier than it currently does should the Amakhosi qualify for the CAF Champions League group stages however standing in their way are 13 time Girabola Champions Primeiro de Agosto.
Kaizer Chiefs have won just three out of 13 fixtures in all competitions so far this season however a strong showing on the continent will undoubtedly give them a much needed boost in confidence.
In order to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stages, Kaizer Chiefs will have to defeat Angolan giants Premiero De Agosto however, do they possess enough quality to do so? I’ve selected my ideal Kaizer Chiefs starting lineup below. Let’s take a look at who I think is capable of taking the Amakhosi across the line.
The ideal Kaizer Chiefs starting lineup?
The infamous debate regarding Kaizer Chiefs’ goalkeeping department arises once again. Itumeleng Khune or Daniel Akpeyi? I’ll go for Khune mainly for the fact that he held his nerve in the previous round against PWD Bamenda by saving a last minute penalty while also keeping two cleansheets.
I’ve gone for a back-four which includes Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya acting as wing-backs while Eric Mathoho and Siyabonga Ngezana feature centrally. There’s absolutely no reason why Ngezana should be playing as a full-back in a team like Kaizer Chiefs that can capitalise on crosses.
Kaizer Chiefs’ midfield has unfortunately not come to the party this season. They’ve failed to impose themselves in the middle of the park so Anthony Akumu and Njabjulo Blom miss out for me. I’ve gone back to basics with Willard Katsande working the engine room.
Katsande to take care of the dirty work and alongside him, Siphelele Ntshangase. Ntshangase to be given the strict instruction of ‘simply keep the ball moving’.
In front of my two midfielders, I’ve opted to play Khama Billiat in a free role with Dumisani Zuma on the right and Lazarus Kambole on the left in attack.
In the absence of Samir Nurkovic, Leonardo Castro will be leading the line in my Kaizer Chiefs lineup. With adequate support behind him, the Colombian attacker can undoubtedly do the job.
My preferred Amakhosi lineup in full
Khune, Mphahlele, Mathoho, Ngezana, Ntiya-Ntiya, Katsande, Ntshangase, Billiat, Zuma, Kambole, Castro.
What is your preferred Kaizer Chiefs lineup to face Primeiro de Agosto later this evening? Let us know in the comments section.
