Itumeleng Khune is among a host of big-name omissions as Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu confirmed their final starting line-ups for this weekend's Carling Black Label Cup.
Traditionally held as an exhibition match between Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, the 2022 edition of the Carling Black Label Cup has been adapted to include four fan-voted teams from the DStv Premiership, with the Amakhosi and the Buccaneers selected by supporters alongside competition newcomers Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu.
The new knockout-format edition is set to get underway on Saturday, 12 November when all four teams will be in action, and the fan-selected starting XIs for each club has now been revealed by the tournament organisers.
AMAZULU
For AmaZulu, goalkeeper Veli Mothwa was their most chosen player with 8026 votes and starts behind a defence that includes Thembela Sikhakhane, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Riaan Hanamub and Abbubaker Mobara.
George Maluleka is set to star in midfield alongside Siphesihle Maduna, Msindisi Ndlovu and Makhehleni Makhaula, while Gabadinho Mhango and Lehlohonolo Majoro have been entrusted with the task to lead the attacking line.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
Their opponents, Mamelodi Sundowns, will line up with Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams between the sticks and with a star-studded defence that includes internationals Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana, Rushine De Reuck and Khuliso Mudau.
Themba Zwane and Andile Jali take their place in midfield alongside Gaston Sirino and Marcelo Allende, while youngster Cassius Mailula, who earned the second most votes for Downs, features up front alongside Thabiso Kutumela.
KAIZER CHIEFS
The other semi-final will see Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates battle it out in a mouthwatering Soweto derby, although the former will be without Itumeleng Khune and Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana, who were both ruled out through injury.
Instead, Brandon Petersen features in goal for the Amakhosi with the added protection from Erick Mathoho, Njabulo Ngcobo, S'fiso Hlanti and Edmilson Dove.
Kgaogelo Sekgota is named as a midfielder alongside Yusuf Maart, Njabulo Blom and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, while Keagan Dolly and Khama Billiat will lead the line, with there being no place in the starting XI for Ashley Du Preez.
ORLANDO PIRATES
Pirates, meanwhile, line up with Richard Ofori – who may yet miss out after being named in Ghana's provisional squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup – Olisah Ndah, Innocent Maela, Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane at the back.
Ben Motshwari and Fortune Makaringe make the midfield alongside Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who makes his way in next to MTN8 heroes Miguel Timm and Monnapule Saleng, with most-voted for player Kermit Erasmus partnering the latter in attack.
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