The Carling Black Label Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, which takes place at Orlando Stadium on Sunday, will serve as the curtain-raiser for the 2021/22 season.
It's a one-of-a-kind competition in which fans choose the starting XI for each team, as well as penalty takers and replacements, all based on fan votes.
While the match is touted as preseason friendly, those who have watched one of the world's most ferocious football rivalries will know that nothing is friendly whenever the two Soweto Giants cross the line, and the same can be expected as the match returns for the first time since 2019.
Pirates have dominated the competition in the previous years
The Buccaneers are the current holders of the Carling Black Label Cup, having won it 2-0 in the previous edition with to goals from Augustine Mulenga and Thembinkosi Lorch in the first half.
With five wins to Chiefs' three, the outcome solidified Pirates as the most successful team in the competition.
It was the third time in a row that the winner was decided without the use of a penalty shootout.
Fans have chosen their best team
Both sets of fans have selected strong starting lineups that combine youth and experience.
The Buccaneers will be captained by defender Thulani Hlatshwayo, who will be joined in the center of the defense by the seasoned Ntsikelelo Nyauza. Striker Gabadinho Mhango, as well as attacking midfielders Deon Hotto and Thembinkosi Lorch, are expected to present a significant goal threat upfront.
They will be without regular starters Happy Jele and Vincent Pule, as well as forwards Tshegofatso Mabasa and Zakhele Lepasa, who have all been forced to withdraw due to injuries.
Amakhosi, on the other hand, will be led by veteran Itumeleng Khune, with star midfielder Lebogang Manyama among those who will be absent.
Starting XIs are as follows:
Richard Ofori (GK), Thulani Hlatshwayo, Innocent Maela, Wayde Jooste, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ben Motshwari, Deon Hotto, Fortune Makaringe, Thabang Monare, Gabadinho Mhango, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ben Motshwari, Deon Hotto, Fortune Makaringe, Thabang Mon
Itumeleng Khune (GK), Erick Mathoho, Daniel Cardoso, Happy Mashiane, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Lebohang Lesako, Njabulo Blom, Kearyn Baccus, Sabelo Radebe, Samir Nurkovic, Khama Billiat, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Ramahlwe Mphahlele
No comments:
Post a Comment