Sold Out: Chiefs and Arrows Name Starting XIs for MTN8 Quarter-Final
The stage is set at FNB Stadium, where a sold-out crowd will watch Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows battle for a place in the MTN8 semi-finals on Sunday evening.
Chiefs have confirmed that tickets for the eagerly anticipated quarter-final have sold out, underlining the huge interest surrounding the clash.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm, with both sides knowing that victory will secure their place in the last four.
The match comes after a turbulent build-up, with controversy surrounding a now-deleted social media post from Golden Arrows that targeted Chiefs winger Luke Baartman.
The post described Baartman as “isishawa”, a derogatory term used to insult people living with albinism.
The incident added an uncomfortable dimension to an already highly anticipated encounter between the two clubs.
Mtasingwa handed Chiefs debut
Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has made one notable decision in his starting line-up, handing new signing Adolf Mtasingwa his official debut.
Mtasingwa has been included from the start as Chiefs look to overcome Arrows and advance to the semi-finals.
Another new arrival, Langelihle Phili, will have to wait for his first appearance in the starting XI.
Phili has been named among the substitutes after joining Amakhosi earlier this week.
Chiefs will be led by captain Brandon Petersen, while Baartman, who was at the centre of the social media controversy during the build-up, has been named in the starting line-up.
Kaizer Chiefs starting XI
Petersen (C), Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Mtasingwa, Ngcobo, Baartman, Vilakazi, Duba.
Substitutes: Leaner, Solomons, Nkgwesa, Moloisane, Mthethwa, Ndlovu, Shabalala, Ighodaro, Phili.
Golden Arrows starting XI confirmed
Golden Arrows have also named their starting XI for the crucial cup encounter.
Maova starts in goal, with Jiyane, Dlamini, Mabaso and Van Neel also included in the line-up.
Shezi, Cele, Maxwele and Deon form part of the midfield, while Khumalo is also named among the starters.
Arrows will have Mbanjwa, Gasa, Mantshiyane, Khumalo, Sithole, Mbatha, Karelse, Van Rooi and Rakosa available on the bench.
Golden Arrows starting XI
Maova, Jiyane, Dlamini, Mabaso, Van Neel, Shezi, Cele, Maxwele, Deon, Khumalo.
Substitutes: Mbanjwa, Gasa, Mantshiyane, Khumalo, Sithole, Mbatha, Karelse, Van Rooi, Rakosa.
All eyes on FNB Stadium
With the stadium sold out, the atmosphere is expected to be intense as Chiefs and Arrows fight for one of the remaining places in the MTN8 semi-finals.
For Chiefs, the occasion offers an opportunity to progress in front of a packed home crowd. For Arrows, victory would provide a major boost and send them into the final four.
The controversy surrounding the social media post has added another layer to the fixture, but once the whistle blows, attention will turn to the football.
With both starting XIs now confirmed, the stage is set for a high-stakes MTN8 quarter-final at FNB Stadium.
