Cape Town - It’s all systems go for Saturday afternoon’s Carling Black Label Cup between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium, the excitement tangible after the match-day squads were announced on Wednesday night.
The match, which heralds the start of the new season, is unique in that the starting XI and substitutes are not chosen by the coaches, but rather by means of the fans’ votes.
The two teams as announced live on SABC1 by the two champion coaches, Philani Ndlovu and Sfiso Mahlangu, are as follows:
Kaizer Chiefs: Itumeleng Khune, Kgotso Moleko, Lorenzo Gordinho, Erick Mathoho, Tsepo Masilela, Hendrick Ekstein, Willard Katsande, George Maluleka, George Lebese, William Twala, Bernard Parker
Orlando Pirates: Brighton Mhlongo, Happy Jele, Ayanda Gcaba, Edwin Gyimah, Thabo Matlaba, Mpho Makola, Issa Sarr, Oupa Manyisa, Thabo Rakhale, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Tendai Ndoro
Historically, Pirates have dominated the competition, winning four of the five editions to date; the last and only time Amakhosi won the cup was in 2013.
The 2015 edition was won by the Buccaneers, who triumphed 4-3 on penalties after the game had ended 1-1, Reneilwe Letsholonyane having cancelled out Sifiso Myeni’s opening goal.