Chiefs honour Diski Challenge stars

Kaizer Chiefs talented left-back Kabelo Nkgwesa has made a solemn promise following a successful DStv Diski Challenge where Amakhosi clinched their first ever league title.

Nkgwesa was one of the outstanding players in the DStv Diski Challenge 2024/25 season. He played a crucial role helping Chiefs claim the league title with a record of 70 points, surpassing Stellenbosch FC 69 from last season.

On Friday night at the Kaizer Chiefs awards, which were held at FNB Stadium the young Nkgwesa was a big winner. He walked away with two accolades, most Improved player and Player of the season awards.

Talking to the club’s website after the awards ceremony, Nkgwesa assured that his best is yet to come.

He explained, “I am very happy. What a great day today. I am grateful for being given a platform to display my quality, and I can say there’s still more to come from me,”

“We knew it wouldn’t be an easy season for us. There was a time when we lost against Sundowns our coaching staff told us that would be our last defeat and we must win all our remaining games."

He added, “I was a bit shocked when I heard that but in the back of my mind I thought, playing as a team, we could do it. And we showed it, especially away to (nearest challengers) Stellenbosch, playing with 10 men.

"I was fortunate to give a good assist to give us the lead and, although they equalised, a draw was a good result. It was a great season and I want to congratulate all my teammates for playing a huge role in our success.”

OTHER AWARD WINNERS ON THE NIGHT ARE:

Most Improved player – Kabelo Nkgwesa

Player of the season – Kabelo Nkgwesa

Goalkeeper of the season – Takalani Mazhamba

Players’ player of the season – Pheko Phago

Top goal scorer – Naledi Hlongwane

Chiefs Sporting Director also acknowledged the excellent work of the technical staff in masterminding this memorable season.

He added, “It is a great achievement for the institution of Kaizer Chiefs. The incredible dedication of the academy staff deserves a lot of praise. They put in long hours of work that people don’t see and I am very happy to see the fruits of their efforts rewarded with success.”

"For the Chairman (Dr Kaizer Motaung) whose vision, commitment and unwavering support for the academy has been handsomely rewarded. Now, it’s a big challenge for them. The bar has been set and it is all about what happens next and I look forward to seeing how they take up that challenge and progress.”