Khune back, new signing Walusimbi starts for Kaizer Chiefs against SuperSport United

Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune returns from injury, while new signing Godfrey Walusimbi has been included in the starting XI as well for tonight’s MTN8 semi-final second leg against SuperSport United.

Khune sat out of Wednesday’s 2-2 league draw against Bloemfontein Celtic with a forearm injury, which saw Bruce Bvuma come into the goalkeeper spot.

But the Bafana Bafana star has recovered and reclaims the starting berth, while Bvuma falls out of the match-day squad entirely, with Virgil Vries the reserve on the bench.

Amakhosi supporters will be delighted further with the sight of Walusimbi, who became an official Chiefs player on Thursday.

The experienced Ugandan left back, who joined the Glamour Boys from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, replaces youngster Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, who is among the reserves.

There is another change in the defence, with Teenage Hadebe replacing Daniel Cardoso at centreback, while Wiseman Meyiwa gets an opportunity in midfield at the expense of Khotso Malope, who will feel a bit unlucky after scoring in a top display against Celtic.

Coach Giovanni Solinas has kept faith with the likes of Leonardo Castro, Dumsani Zuma and Khama Billiat in attack, but will hope that Walusimbi and Hadebe can keep SuperSport’s in-form striker Bradley Grobler at bay tonight.

Following the 2-2 first leg draw, Chiefs have their noses in front due to the away-goals rule, and only need a 0-0 or 1-1 stalemate at the FNB Stadium (8.15pm kickoff) to go through to the final.

The PSL have also confirmed that if the match is level at 2-2 after 90 minutes (which would make it 4-4 on aggregate), the tie will go straight to a penalty shoot-out, with no extra time.

Kaizer Chiefs Team

Itumeleng Khune (captain), Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Siyabonga Ngezana, Teenage Hadebe, Godfrey Walusimbi, Willard Katsande, Siphelele Ntshangase, Wiseman Meyiwa, Khama Billiat, Dumsani Zuma, Leonardo Castro.

Substitutes: Virgil Vries, Bernard Parker, Erick Mathoho, Ryan Moon, Philani Zulu, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Khotso Malope.