If the early-season surprises are any indication, we could be in for a humdinger campaign in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC).
With only four games played since the start of the 2025-26 season, some of the favourites expected to compete for the title are already facing tough times. Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, and the reigning champions, Kaizer Chiefs, are struggling to keep up with the early pressure.
Both Stellenbosch and Chiefs have already lost two games out of four, while Sundowns have suffered one loss. However, it may still be too early to make definitive judgments about the season.
As the big guns were stunned, there were also a lot of firsts as some players scored their first hat-tricks while other teams recorded their first victories.
Matchday 4 Results
Orlando Pirates 2-0 TS Galaxy
Orlando Pirates moved to the top of the DDC standings after a comfortable 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy, which was their third successive win since the season started.
Goals from Joy Manana and experienced Jabulani Mokone proved to be enough to hand the Buccaneers maximum points on the day.
Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 AmaZulu
Kaizer Chiefs suffered a shock back-to-back defeat as they were defeated 1-0 by AmaZulu on Sunday morning at Sturrock Park Stadium. This marked improvement from them compared to past seasons, where they struggled for the better part of the campaign.
Usuthu have now registered three successive victories in the DDC since suffering a defeat in their opening game.
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-1 Richards Bay
Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first defeat of the season after losing as they were edged 1-0 to Richards Bay FC on Sunday at Tuks Stadium.
Ntlonelo Bomelo scored the solitary goal of the match, and it proved to be enough to earn the Natal Rich Boyz maximum points as Sundowns tried to fight back with no success.
Siwelele 3-0 Stellenbosch FC
Siwelele FC shocked favourites Stellenbosch FC, thumping them 3-0 to register their first victory of the season at UJ Stadium.
Bohlale Ngwato scored a brace, and the other goal was scored by Sabri Benjamin from a spot kick.
Durban City 5-0 Magesi FC
Aphelele Zondi was the star of the show as he bagged the third hat-trick in the Diski Challenge this season. Lindokuhle Chonco scored the first hat-trick in the opening weekend of Diski Challenge. Bennet Mokoena scored the second hat-trick of the season on matchday three when Sundowns thumped Durban City 5-2.
On Sunday, Durban City recorded their first-ever DDC victory in style, thumping Magesi FC 5-0.
Zondi grabbed the headlines on the day after bagging a hat-trick.
Former Cape Town City youngster Luphumlo 'Kaka' Sifumba scored the other two goals for City.
Other results:
Marumo Gallants 3-2 Chippa United
Polokwane City 0-2 Sekhukhune United
Golden Arrows 1-2 Orbit College