Starting XI: Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp has opted to field his strongest possible line-up in the Shell Helix Cup match against Mamelodi Sundowns. 

With Itumeleng Khune out injured, Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi gets to start while Bruce Bvuma settles for a place on the bench.

Daniel Cardoso, Yagan Sasman, and Njabulo Blom have all cracked the nod while Philani Zulu makes his first appearance of the campaign. 

Willard Katsande will captain the side in the absence of Bernard Park, who is on the bench and will play alongside Kearyn Baccus in midfield.

Attacker Dumisani Zuma will play on the left-wing to provide support to the attacking trio of Leonardo Castro, Lebogang Manyama and Khama Billiat. 

Ramahlwe Mphahlele is back from injury, but he will be on the bench alongside the likes of James Kotei, Siphelele Ntshangase, Kabelo Mahlasela.

Notable absentees from this afternoon's clash include Samir Nurkovic, Lazarous Kambole and George Maluleka. 

Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane has opted to rest some of his key players, including Denis Onyango, Gaston Sirino, Hlompho Kekana and Sibusiso Vilakazi among others. 

Instead, the Kagiso-born mentor handed as many of his fringe players as possible a chance to impress. 

Aubrey Ngoma and Harold Majadibodu are both in the starting line-up, but there's no place for Lucky Mohomi. 

Tokelo Rantie also gets to start in what will be his first appearance since joining the Brazilians as a free agent last month. 

Kaizer Chiefs XI: Akpeyi, Sasman, Cardoso, Blom, Zulu, Katsande, Baccus, Zuma, Manyama, Billiat and Castro. 

Mamelodi Sundowns XI: Pieterse, Coetzee, Arendse, Lakay, Majadibodu, Manyisa, Jali, Rantie, Mkhulise, Seabi and Ngoma.