Defending Champions Chiefs Kick-Starts DDC With Hard-Fought Victory
The second day of the DStv Diski Challenge concluded with thrilling matches in a festival format at Mpumalanga Stadium, showcasing impressive performances and a total of eight goals across two games.
Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Orbit College on Sunday
In the first half, Amakhosi took an early lead with Pheko Phago scoring the opening goal in the 13th minute after Mswenko Boys’ Ikaneng Ramosala got a red card.
Despite this setback, Orbit managed to score through Ikaneng Mokgata in the 33rd minute. However, Amakhosi’s Neo Bohloko sealed the win with a penalty kick after Kabelo Nkgwesa was fouled in the 18-yard box.
Amakhosi also suffered a blow in the second half as Imaad Hendricks got a red card a fouling the goalkeeper Kobano Segoe.
In the other match at Mpumalanga Stadium, Stellenbosch dominated AmaZulu with a 4-1 victory.
Keanan Johanessen scored a brace, while Tauric Gamaldien added another goal to Stellenbosch’s tally. An own goal by Usuthu’s Bande Gumede sealed the win for Stellies, with Kwanele Mbayi scoring the only goal for AmaZulu.
Elsewhere, Mamelodi Sundowns played out a 1-1 draw against Siwelele, while Polokwane City secured a 3-1 win over Chippa United at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The DStv Diski Challenge has shown great promise, with five victories, three draws, and 31 goals scored across all games this weekend. Other notable results include Orlando Pirates drawing 3-3 with Durban City, Richards Bay beating Golden Arrows 3-1, and Marumo Gallants edging TS Galaxy 3-2. Sekhukhune United and Magesi played out a 1-1 draw.
The league’s success is evident in its contribution to the national team, Bafana Bafana. More than 12 players from the DStv DiskiChallenge are currently in the Bafana camp – Lyle Foster, Siyabonga Ngezana, and Mohau Nkota – all currently playing abroad.
Notably, Nkota, Foster, and Oswin Appollis, all products of the DStv Diski Challenge, scored in Bafana’s 3-0 victory over Lesotho on Friday.
The PSL reserve league will continue to nurture young talent, with exciting matches lined up for the upcoming weekend.
On Saturday, Chippa United will host Golden Arrows, while Durban City will be visited by TS Galaxy. Pirates will visit Siwelele, and the last game will see Sekhukhune United visiting AmaZulu.
On Sunday, Stellenbosch will face Amakhosi in a match to watch, as Stellies are the runners-up for last season and Chiefs are the defending champions.
Sundowns will face Marumo Gallants, while Magesi will visit Richards Bay, and the last game will see Orbit facing Polokwane City.
