Could the 2026-27 season mark a triumphant run for Kaizer Chiefs in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC)? Only time will tell, as the final verdict won’t come until May.
However, after watching their commanding performances in the opening fixtures against Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, it’s clear that Chiefs may pose a serious threat this season.
Chiefs kicked off their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over their Soweto rivals, Orlando Pirates. This match displayed Amakhosi’s prowess, allowing them to extend their winning streak against Pirates to an impressive six consecutive matches.
The following week, Chiefs faced Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium in a match that had many onlookers speculating about the team's resilience, especially with several regulars absent from the squad. The game began promisingly; Chiefs crafted chances but struggled to find the net. Sundowns seized the opportunity, scoring two goals before halftime, courtesy of Simphiwe Mlondo and Lehlohonolo Mahlangu.
Yet the second half brought a remarkable turnaround as Chiefs regrouped, ultimately clinching a 4-2 victory. Neo Bohloko emerged as the star, contributing significantly with a brace, while Samkelo Msimango and Benjamin Eliyahu added to the tally.
Bohloko now sits atop the league’s scoring chart, tallying four goals in just two matches, having shone brightly against both Pirates and Sundowns. Msimango, on his debut season in the DDC, also proved himself with a goal in the opening match.
MILFORD FC 3-1 KRUGER UNITED
Newbies Milford FC earned their first victory of the Diski Challenge season, overpowering Kruger United, another new team in the DDC, beating them 3-1.
The visitors went into the halftime break with a fragile lead, thanks to a well-placed goal from Neo Mabuza. However, Milford sprang back to life in the second half, fueled by strikes from Likhona Fatyela, Siphamandla Mhlongo, and Okuhle Majavu.
POLOKWANE CITY 2-3 GOLDEN ARROWS
Golden Arrows secured their maiden win of the season, edging Polokwane City 3-2 on Sunday morning. Hlumelo Mandla was the standout player, netting twice before Diego Gumede capped the scoring for the KwaZulu-Natal side.
MARUMO GALLANTS 1-1 SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
In a somewhat disappointing outing, Sekhukhune United were unable to maintain their winning momentum, settling for a 1-1 draw against Marumo Gallants. For Gallants, who are still seeking their first win of the season, the match left much to be desired.
SATURDAY
Orlando Pirates 4-1 Stellenbosch FC
Pirates bounced back impressively, routing Stellenbosch FC 4-1 on Saturday morning. Eager to erase the bitter taste of their recent loss to Chiefs, the Buccaneers relied on the heroics of Aphelele Nzimande and Khumoetsile Van Schalkwyk, both of whom netted two goals apiece.
AMAZULU 2-0 RICHARDS BAY FC
AmaZulu FC claimed local bragging rights in the KwaZulu-Natal derby, triumphing over Richards Bay 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. Bayanda Thabade continued his excellent form, scoring a brace that secured Usuthu’s second win of the season. The Natal Rich Boyz, on the other hand, faced their first defeat after a promising opening weekend.
DURBAN CITY 0-1 TS GALAXY
TS Galaxy preserved their winning streak with a narrow 1-0 victory away at Durban City on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, City continued to grapple with form, suffering consecutive losses to begin their campaign.
CHIPPA UNITED 0-2 SIWELELE FC
Siwelele FC found their stride with a 2-0 win over Chippa United. After a goalless first half, Siyabonga Msimango found the net just after halftime, and Onthatile Lemao sealed the points with a second goal in the 79th minute, giving Siwelele an encouraging start to their DDC journey.