Kaizer Chiefs kick off the Nedbank Cup defence away to Stellenbosch

Amakhosi have been in fine form in the Betway Premiership in recent months and head into this game on a nine-match unbeaten run that has lifted the club into third place on the league standings, just five points adrift of leaders Orlando Pirates.

They also strengthened their position in the CAF Confederation Cup with two recent wins over ZESCO United, while they ended 10 years of hurt by seeing off Orlando Pirates to claim last season's Nedbank Cup trophy.

Stellies, conversely are down in 12th place on the league standings and undergoing something of an overhaul under new head coach Gavin Hunt.

He oversaw an impressive league win over Sekhukhune United in his first game in charge, as well as two CAF Confederation Cup losses to Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

The two sides have already met twice this season with Stellies emerging victorious in their Carling Knockout last 16 tie on penalties after a goalless draw, while Chiefs were 2-0 league winners back in August last year.

Ahead of the game, Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze said on IOL: "It's true that Stellenbosch have eliminated us from the Carling Knockout Cup but I thought we were the better team that day and unfortunately we lost on penalties.

"But there's no revenge in football, it's just another game that we need to win and try to have a good performance."

Hunt added: "It will be a tough game, they [Chiefs] are really in good form. They are a good side and they are much more settled now, they are much more free-flowing and once you’ve won a few games like they’ve won, it gives a little bit of confidence back in the team.

"I've always said that the league position doesn't lie. The cups can cloud you, sometimes you can have success in cups, but your league position is where you should be judged and they are doing very well and they could win the league this year."