There’s no such thing as a friendly when Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates meet and the sixth edition of the Carling Black Label Champion Cup will prove no different.
On Saturday, the Soweto giants will open the 2016-17 in the traditional curtain raiser at a sold-out FNB Stadium.
Pirates, with the newly appointed Muhsin Ertugral in charge, start as slight favourites having last lost to Amakhosi in December 2014.
The defending champions are also strengthened by the return from injury of star midfielder Oupa Manyisa,who has been out of action with a fractured ankle since the goalless draw against Polokwane City on 22 September.
The sight of the diminutive midfielder patrolling the middle ground should give the Ghost lots of hope for the season ahead as his influential presence was sorely missed for most of last season. Issa Sarr, Mpho Makola and Thabo Rakhale will join Manyisa in the midfield.
Pirates will, however, be dealing with the increased spotlight on their team after an unnamed player recently failed a drugs test for cocaine use.
Steve Komphela will be pleased with how the fans have voted with Kgotso Moleko, Lorenzo Gordinho, Eric Mathoho and Tsepo Masilela all chosen to protect Itumeleng Khune’s goals. Hendrick Ekstein gets his chance to impress alongside George Lebese, George Maluleka and Willard Katsande in midfield.
The match kicks off at 15:00.
Kaizer Chiefs starting line-up:
Goalkeeper: Itumeleng Khune
Defenders: Kgotso Moleko, Lorenzo Gordinho, Eric Mathoho, Tsepo Masilela
Midfielder: George Lebese, George Maluleka, Willard Katsande, Hendrick Ekstein
Strikers: William Twala, Bernard Parker
Orlando Pirates starting line-up:
Goalkeeper: Brighton Mhlongo
Defenders: Happy Jele, Ayanda Gcaba, Edwin Gyimah, Thabo Matlaba
Midfielders: Issa Sarr, Oupa Manyisa, Mpho Makola, Thabo Rakhale
Strikers: Thamsanqa Gabuza, Tendai Ndoro
Past winners:
2015: Orlando Pirates
Chiefs 1-1 Pirates
(Pirates win 4-3 on penalties)
2014: Orlando Pirates
Chiefs 0-0 Pirates
(Pirates win 6-5 on penalties)
2013: Kaizer Chiefs
Chiefs 1-0 Pirates
2012: Orlando Pirates
Pirates 1-1 Chiefs
(Pirates win 5-4 on penalties)
2011: Orlando Pirates
Pirates 0-0 Chiefs
(Pirates win 4-3 on penalties)
