Amakhosi engage Chippa first

STEVE Komphela will begin his league journey where it ended in glory for Stuart Baxter last season as Kaizer Chiefs commence the defence of their Absa Premiership title against Chippa United away on August 8.

Not long after the former Maritzburg United boss was named Baxter ’ s successor yesterday, the Premier Soccer League conducted the draw for the opening two rounds of Absa Premiership matches for the 2015-2016 campaign, which will begin with some intriguing games.

Amakhosi beat the Chilli Boyz 2-0 on the final day of last season and will be looking for another convincing result to get Komphela ’ s tenure off to a perfect start.

The champions ’ second league match, on August 22, will be against Komphela ’ s former side, Free State Stars, in his first league match at home at FNB Stadium.

Mamelodi Sundowns, who were dethroned as champions by record-breaking Chiefs, are away to Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on August 8 before hosting Bidvest Wits at Lucas Moripe Stadium on August 22.

Orlando Pirates will play their first league match on August 11, after their CAF Confederation Cup match against Tunisian side CS Sfaxien, and then take on Chippa in their second league match.

Full league fixtures are expected by month-end. Match day one fixtures (on August 8): FS Stars v Mpumalanga Black Aces; Polokwane City v Bloemfontein Celtic; Platinum Stars v Sundowns; Chippa v Chiefs; Wits v Ajax Cape Town; Lamontville Golden Arrows v University of Pretoria; Maritzburg v Jomo Cosmos; SuperSport United v Pirates. Match day two fixtures (on August 22): Pirates v Chippa; Ajax v Maritzburg; AmaTuks v City; Aces v SuperSport; Chiefs v FS Stars; Sundowns v Wits; Celtic v Dikwena; Cosmos v Arrows.