Title holders Kaizer Chiefs are set to defend the Nedbank Cup they won last May after defeating Orlando Pirates in the final. Their campaign this year begins with a Round of 32 clash against Stellenbosch FC under the floodlights at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Chiefs enter the fixture in strong form, having won all four matches played since the conclusion of the recent AFCON tournament. However, a demanding schedule of five matches in just 15 days, coupled with extensive travel has prompted the coaching staff to rotate the squad. Several fresh faces will be introduced into the starting lineup compared to Sunday’s victory over ZESCO United in Durban, as the technical team looks to manage player fatigue.

Dillan Solomons, Zitha Kwinika Lebohang Maboe, Mfundo Vilakazi, Pule Mmodi, and Glody Lilepo, who scored decisive goals in the last two matches will be replaced by Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, Given Msimango, Thulani Mabaso, Mduduzi Shabalala and Gaston Sirino in the starting eleven.

The Glamour Boys will line up in a 3-5-2 formation.

Brandon Petersen, boasting 15 clean sheets this season, will once again safeguard the goalposts.

In defence, Aden McCarthy will be positioned on left, Inacio Miguel covers the right, while Msimango will be in the centre.

Mabaso anchors the midfield in the holding role. Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane are left and right wingbacks, respectively. Siphesihle Ndlovu and Shabalala will take charge as the attacking midfielders.

Up front, Sirino partners with Flavio Da Silva is in attack.

Match officials will be led by referee Eugene Mdluli, assisted on the lines by Jantjie Dlamini and Lalelani Mngadi, with Msimeli Mabuto as the fourth official overseeing proceedings from the technical area.

Kick-off for this Nedbank Cup Last 32 encounter between the Glamour Boys and the Winelands side is scheduled for 19:00 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

The match will be live on SuperSport’s PSL channel 202 on DStv and various SABC radio stations. There will be regular updates on the Club’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account, @kaizerchiefs.

Chiefs XI:  Petersen © (1), McCarthy (35), Miguel (14), Mako (29), Monyane (2), Msimango (25), Mabaso (34), Ndlovu (8), Shabalala (7), Sirino (10), Da Silva (77)

Subs: Bvuma (16); Kwinika (4), Solomons (18), Maboe (6), Ngcobo (12), Vilakazi (28), Mmodi (13), Lilepo (99), Duba (36)

Coaches: Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze

Stellenbosch XI: Stephens © (17); Lebusa (31), Jooste (66), Butsaka (33), Jabaar (27), Moloisane (24), Mthiyane (21), Enyinnaya (16), Tiwani (13), Makhubu (36), Titus (34)

Subs: Masuluke (30); Stanic (4), Mdaka (3), Mokobodi (29), Palace (19), Philly (11), Khanyi (15), Kodisang (28), Cupido (9)

Coach: Gavin Hunt