As the DStv Diski Challenge season progresses, the reigning champions, Kaizer Chiefs, find themselves in a catastrophic downward spiral. With their future appearing increasingly bleak, the possibility of new champions emerging this May grows ever more palpable.
After a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of AmaZulu on Sunday, Chiefs have extended their winless streak to four matches. This latest loss follows an embarrassing 4-1 drubbing by Orbit College just a week earlier. In stark contrast to Chiefs' struggles, Orlando Pirates sit comfortably atop the standings with 44 points, creating a daunting 17-point chasm between the two Soweto rivals.
Notably, Chiefs’ current plight can be traced back to a decision to loan out key players from their championship-winning squad last season. This strategy, aimed at enriching young talent with valuable experience, has left the team grappling with a struggling line-up unable to make a significant impact.
In Sunday’s match, promising striker Rocco Rocha scored the decisive goal, marking a historic moment as Chiefs suffered their first losses home and away to AmaZulu, underscoring the team's alarming decline.
Golden Arrows 3-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns faced their own setbacks, suffering a 3-2 loss to Arrows. Despite an early lead from Bennett Mokoena, Sundowns faltered due to defensive errors, allowing Arrows to seize control before Gomolemo Kekana netted a consolation goal late in the match. The defeat proved costly, hampering Sundowns' title hopes as they remain five points adrift of Pirates.
Polokwane City 0-3 Siwelele FC
Siwelele kept their title aspirations alive with a decisive 3-0 victory over Polokwane City, moving into third place and closing the gap to eight points behind Pirates, who have a game in hand.
Other results included Sekhukhune United's 3-0 triumph over Orbit College, Marumo Gallants' 2-0 win against Magesi FC, Richards Bay's 1-0 victory over Durban City, and TS Galaxy's 2-0 success against Chippa United.
As the league approaches its pinnacle, the intense battle for supremacy is set to unfold, with Chiefs seemingly at risk of slipping into irrelevance amid the rise of new contenders.