Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has announced his Starting XI for today’s highly anticipated Soweto Derby against the old foe, Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership league match at the FNB Stadium. The Tunisian-born coach has made four changes to his team that faced Marumo Gallants in the previous match last weekend, with Edmilson Dove returning at centre back, with Happy Mashiane moving tothe bench. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo also makes his way to the starting lineup, ahead of Thabo Cele. Pule Mmodi and Gaston Serino, who were both serving suspensions in the previous match, feature in the First XI to bolster the team in attack.

Nabi will approach the match with a 4-5-1 formation, with Bradley Cross, Dove, Zitha Kwinika, and Dillan Solomons forming the back four. Captain Yusuf Maart will anchor the midfield, supported by Mmodi, Ngcobo, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Sirino, while Glody Lilepo leads the attack.

This match is crucial for Amakhosi, ahead of the Nedbank Cup final against their old rivals in a week's time at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The team will look to return to winning ways and secure important points in their bid to reach the top eight. With Pirates having won the previous encounter by a narrow margin, the Glamour Boys will be keen to redeem themselves on their home ground.

Nabi expressed his confidence in his team, stating that they are ready to face the Buccaneers. With the team being in a not-so-favourable position on the log standings, he emphasised the importance of winning this match. Nabi urged his players to adopt a never-die attitude and highlighted the team's thorough preparation for the fixture.

The match officials for the Soweto Derby are referee Eugene Madluli assited by Zakhele Siwela and Thamaga Sebati, with Cedrick Muvhali as the fourth official. Johnny du Toit is the match commissioner.

Chiefs XI: Bvuma (44), Kwinika (4), Cross(48), Dove (2), Solomons (18), Maart © (8), Ngcobo (12), Mmodi (13), Shabalala (42), Lilepo (99), Sirino (10)

Subs: Petersen (1), Mashiane (19), Miguel (84), Castillo (17), Matlou (22), Cele (21), Mthethwa (5), Du Preez (9), Morris (40),

Coach: Nasreddine Nabi

Pirates XI: Chaine (24), Xoki (27), Mbokazi (44), Shandu (26), Mako (29), Mbatha (16), Makhaula (8), Mofokeng (38), Nkota (33), Hotto (7), Makgopa (17)

Subs: Buthelezi (35), Selepe (47), Radiopane (42), Ndlozi (34), Madiba (30), Kimvuidi (25), Maela (23), Mabasa (19), Dlamini (18)

Coach: Jose Riveiro