Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns enjoyed a good start to the 2024/25 DStv Diski Challenge with both sides registering impressive victories against KwaZulu Natal outfits.
New look Sundowns brushed aside Richards Bay FC 3-0 on Saturday while Amakhosi continued with their dominance over Golden Arrows thumping them 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Thulani Zandamela who returned to Downs after spending time on loan at the University of Pretoria last season returned to the Diski and showed that he still got it as he netted a first half brace to put Sundowns in the lead against Rich Boyz. Onele Rulwana who displayed a man of the match performance scored the third goal for Sundowns ensuring the go to the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
In the second half Sundowns dominated position but could not score more goals.
GOLDEN ARROWS 0-2 KAIZER CHIEFS
Naledi Hlongwane continued where he left of last season with his fine form as he scored Amakhosi’s first goal of the match against Arrows. This was after a tense start to the match as the two sides were all over each other.
Chiefs who were under the guidance of Dillon Sheppard as their Diski coach Vela Khumalo is on National duty with the SA Under-17 team sealed the victory in the dying minutes of the match when Pheko Phago finished off an impressive combination play.
AMAZULU 0-0 ORLANDO PIRATES
The Soweto giants who came close to winning the Diski Challenge in the last three seasons, Orlando Pirates started on a back foot as they dropped two points on Saturday. The Buccaneers were held to a goalless draw by AmaZulu in the opening match of the season on Saturday.
Pirates who are tipped to be among favourites this season, had a good game but they were let down by their decision making in the final third.
Coach Joseph Makhanya’s charges will now hope to get a victory next weekend when they face Cape Town City FC.
CAPE TOWN CITY 6-2 SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Cape Town City were the biggest winners of the DDC opening weekend as they registered a 6-2 victory over Sekhukhune United on Sunday. Cee-Jay Bezuidenhout became the first player to score a hat-trick this season as he scored three times as while the other goals came from Sibulele Mguzulwa, Reece Peters and Shakeel April.
Chippa United reserves were the other team that also registered three points in their 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants reserves. Pirates reserves dropped points on the road after being held to a 0-0 stalemate by AmaZulu reserves on Saturday.
OTHER WEEKEND RESULTS
Magesi FC 1-1 Stellenbosch FC
Chippa United 2-0 Marumo Gallants
SuperSport United 0-0 Polokwane City