Cole Alexander returns to action for the first time after a long injury lay-off when he starts this afternoon’s DStv Premiership encounter between Amakhosi and Sekhukhune United in Polokwane. The veteran midfielder last played in October, when he came on as a second half substitute in the Soweto Derby.
Alexander comes on for the suspended Siyethemba Sithebe. Another player who will be back after missing last weekend’s game is Dillan Solomons, who replaces S’fiso Hlanti. Hlanti also received his fourth caution in the last match against Royal AM.
The last meeting between the two teams was on Amakhosi’s 53rd birthday on 7 January at FNB stadium and Chiefs will be looking to exact a measure of retribution after Babina Noko spoiled the party with a 1-0 win.
Both Chiefs and Sekhukhune were last in action when they won their respective Nedbank Cup quarterfinals against Royal AM and Chippa United last weekend.
Chiefs are still in position four on the DStv Premiership log, with 41 points from 25 matches. The hosts are 7th in the standings after collecting 32 points in 25 games.
Coach Zwane will keep to a 4-5-1 for this afternoon’s fixture.
Brandon Petersen is the goalkeeper.
With Hlanti out, Reeve Frosler moves over to the left side of defence. The central pairing of Edmilson Dove and Siyabonga Ngezana remains, and Solomons will be on the right.
Samkelo Zwane will be joined by Alexander in the engine room. They will have last weekend’s goalscorer Yusuf Maart in front of them.
Speedy attacker Ashley Du Preez is on the left and Keagan Dolly will be on the right.
Christian Saile Basomboli will lead the attack.
Dolly is the captain.
