Kaizer Chiefs enjoyed a positive weekend as the DStv Diski Challenge kicked off with Amakhosi’s reserve side claiming a 3-2 victory over Orlando Pirates reserves in Durban on Sunday. The result marked Chiefs’ fourth consecutive win over their arch-rivals in the competition.

Adding to the success for the Club’s development structures, five of our players returned from Mozambique with gold medals after helping the South African U20 national team win the COSAFA U20 Championship. Their triumph also secured qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana next year.

“It was a positive start for us, despite not having the full complement of the squad, but it’s great to see the players rise to the occasion as they did on Sunday in our opening DDC league match of the season against defending champions Orlando Pirates,” said coach Vela Kumalo.

Chiefs raced into a 3-0 lead in the first half through goals from Neo Bohloko (2) and Samkelo Msimango, before Pirates responded with two strikes in the second stanza. Amakhosi finished the match with 10 men after Emile Dortley received a second yellow card.

“It was truly a gallant effort by the boys in their opening fixture. We were also happy to see senior team midfielder Thulani Mabaso play his first competitive match since picking up an injury a few months ago. His return means he is getting closer to match readiness for the first team,” Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr commented.

Motaung Jr also extended congratulations to the U20 national team: “It was a proud moment for us to see five of our players represent the nation in Mozambique in front of a strong local crowd, and well done to Steven Mendes for finishing as the tournament top scorer and Takalani Mazhamba for receiving the Goalkeeper-of-the-Tournament award. This international experience will go a long way, and we look forward to the boys sharing their learnings with teammates and hopefully going to Ghana next year for the U20 AFCON tournament.”

The five players who were with Amajita will now rejoin the DDC squad as preparations begin for another tough fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns reserves this coming weekend.