Kaizer Chiefs will begin their quest for a 16th MTN8 title with a new coach at the helm in the form of Gavin Hunt who begins his 19th participation as a coach in the competition. He first led Hellenic in the tournament during the 2000-01 event against Maritzburg United at home.
Hunt will also be looking to reach the final for a fourth time with a fourth different team. The three previous teams he was in charge were Moroka Swallows, SuperSport United and Wits and reached the final of the competition at least once.
Hunt though will be without some key players for the clash as Chiefs return to the tournament after missing out in 2019-20. Amakhosi’s top scorer from last season Samir Nurković who contributed to 14 goals in all competitions will not be available for selection. The Serbian striker went for an operation in September to repair his groin muscle.
There is also an injury doubt for Chiefs lanky defender Mulomowandau Mathoho who featured in 31 games in all competitions and scored 5 goals last season. ‘Tower’, as the defender is affectionately known, injured a groin muscle during training. A subsequent scan has shown a small tear, he will be subject to a late fitness test by the Chiefs medical department to assess whether he can face Maritzburg.
Lebogang Manyama and Willard Katsande will also be absent from the match as they have suspensions carried over from last season. Katsande picked up a yellow card in the 62nd minute of Chiefs 1-1 draw on the 5th September against Baroka which was their last game of the 2019-20 season. Which was effectively his eight caution of last season.
For the rest Chiefs are at full strength for the clash with Maritzburg, which will see the sides lock horns in a cup game for the sixth time with Chiefs having defeated them four times previously in cup games, including a thrilling eight game spectacular in the 2015-16 MTN8. The quarterfinal game saw Chiefs win 5-3.
Kick-off for the game is at 15:00 on Sunday.
