Goalkeepers
In goals, both coaches will most likely go with their tried and tested shot stoppers Anssi Jaakkola and Itumeleng Khune. Chiefs have also welcomed back to training Brilliant Khuzwayo who was in goals when they won this trophy against Orlando Pirates last season.
Defense
Cecil Lolo, Abbubaker Mobara, Rivaldo Coetzee and Mosa Lebusa are De Sa’s most preferred back four choices. But with Rivaldo Coetzee only recently recovering from injury having missed last weekend’s Absa Premiership win against Polokwane City, Lebusa and Aiden Jenniker’s abilities to fit in well at both center back and left back will give De Sa something to think about. Abel Mabaso is also waiting in the wings for his chance.
Chiefs will hope to welcome back Eric Mathoho who is expected to deal with Nathan Paulse or Prince Nxumalo’s aerial threat at the back, should he recover in time. Lorenzo Gordinho and Siyanda Xulu did well alongside each other last week, as did Keagan Ritchie who stood in for Tshepo Masilela. Mathoho should be fit whilst Masilela is reported to be ready for selection.
Midfield
There’s a famous saying in Cape Town that at Ajax, ‘When Granwald Scott plays, Ajax Cape Town plays’. And their anchorman is back and ready for contention for the Urban Warriors. But whilst his return is most welcomed, a headache for De Sa is: who does he partner him with in central midfield? Should it be the ever hard-working young captain Travis Graham or marque signing Ndiviwe Mdabuka? De Sa’s headache also stems from Toriq Losper’s recently found spark, which means that either Bantu Mzwakali, Riyaard Norodien, Ruzaigh Gamildien, Diski Challenge sensation-Olwethu Nguye, Franklin Cale or new capture Erwin Isaacs will not play.
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For Chiefs, ‘King Salt Vinegar’ Willard Katsande is expected to be made available after missing last week’s meeting with SuperSport United. In his absence, Ivan Bukenya stood out and raised his hand and even scored in the 4-1 win over Gordon Igesund’s men. There have also been cries for George Maluleka and Hendrick Ekstein to be given more game time by Komphela. It remains to be seen if he will listen to the fans’ demands.
Strikers
Prince Nxumalo is fit, and is ready to continue from where he left off prior to his short illness, but Nathan Paulse has been a source for goals in the three games that he’s played, so who does De Sa start with?
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Camaldine Abraw may have only played the final ten minutes against SuperSport, yet he made his presence known in that short time as he superbly laid off the ball for George Lebese to net his second of the game. Edward Manqele and Bongani Ndulula have also been doing well in the Diski Challenge, while Bernard Parker seems the firm favourite.
So, who will start? Who will look on from the bench? Send us your views in the comments below, or comment via Facebook or Twitter!