Stellenbosch Replace Chiefs To Go Top Of Diski Challenge

Stellenbosch staged a remarkable comeback, defeating Richards Bay 3-2 in a DStv Diski Challenge match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday, moving them to the top of the standings.

However, their reign at the summit may be short-lived, as Kaizer Chiefs, who held the previous lead, could reclaim their position with a victory over TS Galaxy on Sunday.

With only five games remaining in the season, Stellenbosch coach Evangelos Vellios demonstrated his determination by including senior players such as Langelihle Phili, a key member of last season’s championship-winning team, and Omega Mdaka in the Durban squad. While Vellios aimed for a win, the unpredictable nature of football was evident in the first half.

Richards Bay started strongly, with Ntlomelo Bomelo scoring twice. His first goal came from a close-range volley after Stellenbosch failed to clear their lines. For his second, Stellenbosch’s attempt to play out from the back was intercepted, and Bomelo calmly finished from close range.

This unexpected turn of events was a setback for Stellenbosch, who were second in the DStv Diski Challenge, trailing log leaders Kaizer Chiefs by a single point. Chiefs have enjoyed an impressive season, suffering only two defeats. The Amakhosi are considered favorites to win their first DStv Diski Challenge title in the competition’s 10-year history.

Immediately after the restart, Stellenbosch, the defending champions, narrowed the deficit when Keanan Johannesen scored with a side-footed finish. On the hour mark, Tylon Smith headed home, leveling the score at 2-2, following Richards Bay’s failure to clear a corner kick.

Stellenbosch applied intense pressure in the closing stages of the game, and Sbangani Zulu, facing his own goal, scored an own goal, securing a 3-2 victory for the Cape Winelands side and sending them to the top of the table.

Pic courtesy of Spanya Ndala