Kaizer Chiefs starting XI vs TS Galaxy: Petersen, Dortley return for Carling Knockout tie

Published on 27 Oct 2026 at 18:26 by Joel Oliver

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has made five changes to his starting XI for their Carling Knockout Round of 16 match at home to TS Galaxy.

The Glamour Boys will host the Rockets in the cup competition, looking to banish the memories of their CAF Confederation Cup exit last Friday, and Da Cruz has gone with a strong squad.

Brandon Petersen, Kaizer Chiefs – Image: Chiefs

From the team that started Friday’s game, five fresh names make the starting XI, with the return of goalkeeper Brandon Petersen a highlight as he has missed the last four games due to injury.

Dortley’s long-awaited Chiefs return

There is also the return of defender Rushwin Dortley, who last played for the club in March 2025, and has been out nursing an injury which took longer than expected to heal.

Kaizer Chiefs' Rushwin Dortley. — Kaizer Chiefs’ Rushwin Dortley. Image – Kaizer Chiefs

Meanwhile, left-back Paseka Mako also makes a comeback after an injury while in midfield, Lebohang Maboe starts, after coming off the bench against Red Arrows on Friday.

Meanwhile in attack, Mfundo Vilakazi gets the nod for Chiefs ahead of Faiz Abrahams and will link up with Mduduzi Shabalala, Pule Mmodi as well as Wandile Duba.

Mfundo Vilakazi of Kaizer Chiefs in action against Golden Arrows. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs Starting XI vs TS Galaxy

Subs: Bvuma, Kwinika, Nkgwesa, Mabaso, Solomons, Da Silva, Chislett, Velebayi, Abrahams

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.