Kaizer Chiefs up to shock Simba in Caf Champions League first leg but faces both sides of matters on team news as Nurkovic returns while Billiat doubtful
Kaizer Chiefs welcome Simba SC for quarter finals first leg of the Champions League with South Africa side expected to hook up their Tanzania opponent in today’s clash.
That wouldn’t come so easy having Simba appeared one of the toughest sides in this term’s competition topping a Group A that comprises of defending champions Al Ahly, AS Vita Club and Al-Merrikh.
Unlike, Kaizer Chiefs placed second and stole last minute qualification to the quarter finals stage after drawing 2-2 away against supposed-to-qualify Horoya in last round of group stage games.
Ahead of their tricky clash with Simba, Chiefs face both negative and positive team news which could impact outcome of the game.
Boss Gavin Hunt has now receiveda major boost in number and quality as Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic returns after serving his CAF Champions League suspension and is available for selection to lead the Amakhosi attack.
However, the bad news is that Kaizer Chiefs will have to make do with veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune who picked up a fourth yellow card and is therefore suspended for one CAF Champions League match.
The 33-year-old will be available for selection for the second-leg tie in Tanzania next Saturday, 22 May.
In his absence at the FNB Stadium, Hunt is expected to call on Daniel Akpeyi to start in goal with Bruce Bvuma among the substitutes.
Finally, there remains uncertainty over the availability of Khama Billiat after he received another knock to his leg.
At this stage the smart money is on the Zimbabwean not being medically cleared to play.
As reported by The South African website earlier in the week, Leonardo Castro has also been ruled out of the match with a groin injury.
