Chiefs maintain the top spot, SuperSport stun Sundowns
Who will win the coveted DStv Diski Challenge title come May?
The weekend DStv Diski Challenge games saw archrivals face off in the derby festival hosted at Dr Molemela Stadium in a thrilling contest.
DStv Diski Challenge weekend Results #Asidlali #10YearsIn #SisszoPhaka pic.twitter.com/xLFUFxoCY0
— Asidlali (@Asidlali) March 23, 2025
Goals, fouls, great passes, controversial moments, disallowed goals and red cards, the games had everything and then some.
While league leaders Kaizer Chiefs managed to secure a nervy 1-0 victory over their Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United and AmaZulu also claimed the derby bragging rights beating Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows 3-2 and 2-1 respectively.
Elsewhere, Stellenbosch FC hammered poor Chippa United 9-1 and TS Galaxy defeating Cape Town City 2-1.
Let's take a look at all the highlighting fixtures from the Diski Challenge.
Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 Orlando Pirates | Vela Khumalo's side grinds maximum points without key players
Despite the game not being one of their best performances this season, they were able to grind the crucial three points to maintain the top spot, keeping their title aspirations alive.
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— Asidlali (@Asidlali) March 23, 2025
Orlando Pirates 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Chiefs retain the top spot at the top of the DDC table #Asidlali #10YearsIn #SisazoPhaka pic.twitter.com/HuScOVzWCc
Chiefs were missing a tally of 10 players (Naledi Hlongwane, Neo Bohloko, Takalani Mazhamba, Kabelo Nkgwesa, Gopolang Taunyane, Sfiso Timba, Ofentse Kgosana, Teboho Mlangeni, Lebogang Dlamini and Bokamoso Mokokosi) who are all with SA Junior team (Under-17 and Under-20).
However, that did not stop them from completing a double over Pirates. Brave Aden McCarthy scored the only goal of the match from a spot kick to earn Chiefs maximum points against 10-man Pirates.
McCarthy missed the first penalty in the first half of the game which saw the two sides heading to halftime tied 0-0. Late in the second half Chiefs got another penalty and he stood up and finally won the battle of the wills. That solitary goal proved to be enough to keep Amakhosi at the top of the log with 51 points.
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-3 SuperSport United | Revenge is a dish best served cold
After losing 2-1 in the first round, at Dobsonville Stadium in November last year, in what was the first round between the two sides. SuperSport stood up and said they won't be bullied by their Tshwane rivals this past weekend.
Thabang Makubo, who said they showed too much respect to Sundowns last year, stood up and lead his teammates as they avenged for themselves with a 3-2 win on Saturday, in a match that had three penalties and a red card (Jabu Matsio).
Makubo scored twice for SuperSport and the other goal was scored by Tumelo Machete. Oarabile Booysen and Tshiamo Masisi scored for Downs but those goal were not enough to get them a positive result.
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— Asidlali (@Asidlali) March 23, 2025
AmaZulu 2-1 Golden Arrows #Asidlali #10YearsIn #SisazoPhaka pic.twitter.com/fXsCh1F01n
Victory for SuperSport saw them moving to the third spot on the log with 44 points while Downs remained in the fifth spot with 42 points. The defeat put some serious dent in Sundowns chances of winning the league, however, they will remain hopeful as the famous saying says "it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings".
Chippa United 1-9 Stellenbosch FC | Who will stop Stellies?
This Diski Challenge season has certainly been one to forget for Chippa United as they currently sit at the bottom of the log with a mere eight points from 22 outings. This past weekend they were humiliated, conceding nine times against Stellenbosch, making them the most conceding teams as they have let in 59 goals.
However, this past weekend was anything but a comedy of errors. They conceded six times in the first half and three more goals in the second half. Cheswyn Philander scored five times, while Kyle Bailey scored four, and Tauriq Dien scored a brace each.
Aphelele Mhlaba scored the only goal that Chippa scored.
The victory means Stellies continue breathing on Chiefs' neck in the title race as they are second with 50 points, a point adrift Amakhosi.