Kaizer Chiefs’ U-14 team romped to the 2026 SAFA Gauteng Development League (GDL) title, winning 30 of their 34 league fixtures, losing only once, and scoring over 100 goals on their way to achieving 93 points in what can only be described as a phenomenal campaign.

Head coach of the side, Mohamed Bhamjee reflected on all the hard work and effort that ultimately produced this remarkable outcome:

“The word that comes to mind is ‘growth’ because it has been a season of challenges and learning. Coming into the campaign, we knew we had a big task ahead. We were building a team with 16 or 17 new players. Only three or four remained from last season, which meant building a culture and new relationships.

“Our first test was the Top 8, for which we only had two or three weeks to prepare. Yet we won the competition. As a Coach, it gave me a good idea of the talent and character within the squad, and where improvements were needed. I set myself the target of ironing out those weaknesses over the next 11 months, as well as enhance their strengths. The only way I could achieve that was to prepare my training sessions well, working collectively and also individually with the boys. I devised specialised training modules for all aspects of the team: positional play, defence, transition, attack etc. As the season progressed, I modified my training regime to address issues as they emerged in order to maintain consistency.

“If you look at key moments in the season, the first was winning the Top 8, which gave us confidence. Another came in the second round of the league; we beat Mamelodi Sundowns 6-0 after losing to them 5-4 in the first round (Our only loss of the campaign). That was a turning point in the season because Sundowns faded after that comprehensive defeat, in which we could have won by more than six goals. We overwhelmed them in all departments, from goalkeeper to strikers. In the end, we closed out the season with an 8-1 win over TUKS to win the league by 15 points. It is evidence of how much these boys have improved, and we hope the bulk of the players can move up into the U-15 squad and continue on their next phase of development.

“It has been a great season, and I am proud to be a part of the Kaizer Chiefs Family. A big thank you to the Chairman, Sporting Director and senior club management for giving me the opportunity and trusting me with what I see as the first stage of player development. I believe that once you get that first step right, the rest will follow. We have to keep working hard to develop players for the Club to ensure a bright future for Amakhosi.”

We congratulate Coach Bhamjee and the team for their sensational achievement.