OFFICIAL: KAIZER CHIEFS ANNOUNCE STARTING XI AGAINST SIWELELE AS DA CRUZ MAKES TWO IMPORTANT CHANGES

POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA — 8 NOVEMBER 2026

Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced their starting line-up for Sunday's Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final clash against Siwelele FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Head coach Fernando Da Cruz has made two changes to the team that faced Orlando Pirates in last weekend's Soweto Derby, with the French tactician determined to guide Amakhosi into the semi-finals of the competition.

The biggest talking point is the return of Rushwin Dortley to the starting line-up. The defender has been given an opportunity to partner Thabo Moloisane in central defence following Inacio Miguel's suspension after his red card against Orlando Pirates.

Dillan Solomons also returns to the starting eleven, replacing the injured Reeve Frosler at right-back.

Brandon Petersen retains his position between the goalposts and will captain the team.

In defence, Paseka Mako occupies the left-back position, with Dortley and Moloisane forming the central defensive partnership.

Sibongiseni Mthethwa will provide protection in midfield, while Lebohang Maboe and Mduduzi Shabalala are expected to contribute creatively.

Mfundo Vilakazi and Pule Mmodi will provide attacking options from the wings, with Wandile Duba leading the line.

Chiefs' confirmed starting XI is:

Petersen (C), Solomons, Dortley, Moloisane, Mako, Mthethwa, Maboe, Shabalala, Mmodi, Vilakazi and Duba.

The substitutes are Bruce Bvuma, Zitha Kwinika, Nkgwesa, George Mabaso, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Asanele Velebayi, Luke Abrahams, Ethan Chislett Da Silva and Etiosa Ighodaro.

Siwelele FC have also confirmed their starting eleven, with February in goal. Mfolozi, Khonyane, Sesane and Ndebele complete the defensive line.

Mokhuoane, Pule, Jeza, Leshedi, Marou and Mazibuko make up the remaining starting positions.

For Chiefs, this encounter represents an important opportunity to recover from their 2-1 Soweto Derby defeat against Orlando Pirates.

The Soweto giants also want to progress to the semi-finals after eliminating TS Galaxy 3-0 in the previous round, with Duba scoring a memorable hat-trick.

Interestingly, Chiefs defeated Siwelele 3-2 in their previous league meeting this season.

With a place in the last four at stake, Da Cruz and his players know that another victory could bring them closer to ending their long wait for major silverware.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2119442480517030321