Pirates to get taste of slim Chiefs

25 July 2014 - 02:13 By Staff Reporter
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Itumeleng Khune
Itumeleng Khune
Image: Sunday Times

Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will give their fans an early appetiser to the coming season when they meet in the Carling Black Label Cup at a sold-out Soccer City tomorrow afternoon.

Chiefs will visit the World Cup venue desperate to dispel notions that they have a thin squad which could struggle to keep up with the challenges of the domestic top flight after limited activity in the transfer market during the off-season.

A creditable showing against the old enemy tomorrow may go some way towards reassuring sceptical fans and lift spirits ahead of a season they are expected to go toe-to-toe with Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Wits and Supersport United in the marathon that is the league campaign.

Despite the doubts, Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune insisted yesterday that they have a squad good enough to challenge for all four competitions in the premiership - the league, MTN8, Telkom Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.

Khune said the club's supporters would enjoy early season bragging rights and dispose of Pirates.

"The expectations are high at Chiefs, we are always expected to win," Khune said yesterday.

''The team will deliver. we are working hard to lay a solid foundation for the season."

Fans select the starting line-ups by voting and more than 16 million votes had been received by the cut-off date on Tuesday.

Starting line-ups

Chiefs: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Tefu Mashamaite, Molomowandau Mathoho, Tsepo Masilela, Willard Katsande, George Maluleka, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, George Lebese, Katlego Mphela and Kingston Nkhatha.

Pirates: Senzo Meyiwa, Happy Jele, Siyabonga Sangweni, Rooi Mahamutsa, Thabo Matlaba, Tlou Segolela, Sfiso Myeni, Oupa Manyisa, Daine Klate, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Kermit Erasmus.

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