Kaizer Chiefs and Elche meet in Murcia, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00, with Elche broadcasting the game on their YouTube channel.
Head coach Fernando Da Cruz has started with nine players who started on the bench against Al-Kholood.
However, many of them started in the opening friendly against Rangers FC.
KAIZER CHIEFS STARTING LINE UP
Utility player Reeve Fosler is the only surviving starter from the 1-1 draw against Al-Kholood midweek.
Kaizer Chiefs starting XI: Brandon Petersen (captain), Thabiso Monyane, Given Msimango, Inácio Miguel, Reeve Frosler, Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Mfundo Vilakazi, Luke Baartman, Flávio Silva.
Substitutes: To be confirmed.
Elche returned to La Liga after winning promotion at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. They then secured another season in Spain’s top flight by finishing 15th in the 20-team table during the 2025/26 season.
The Spanish side only confirmed their survival on the final day after holding Girona to a 1-1 draw. Along the way, they produced several eye-catching results, including a 2-2 draw away to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in November 2025 and a memorable 3-2 home victory over Atlético Madrid in April 2026.
AMAKHOSI NEW ERA
Kaizer Chiefs will head into the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season with a fresh look under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz. The French-Portuguese mentor has been tasked with restoring the club to title contention after Amakhosi finished third last season. He is also reshaping the squad, with the aim of working with a lean group of around 28 to 30 senior players.
The Soweto giants have already strengthened key areas ahead of the new campaign. They signed Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch FC. Goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has arriced from Sekhukhune United. Striker Khanyisa Mayo has signed a permanent deal. Those arrivals have increased competition for places as Da Cruz builds a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
Kaizer Chiefs have also stepped up their preparations with a pre-season training camp in Murcia, Spain. The tour has given the coaching staff an opportunity to improve fitness, test different combinations and implement Da Cruz’s tactical ideas before the new season begins.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM KAIZER CHIEFS UNDER COACH FERNANDO DA CRUZ?
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