The Kaizer Chiefs Reserve team is ready for an epic start to the new DStv Diski Challenge season. Young Amakhosi will face their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates reserves, this Sunday afternoon at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban. The match is set to kick off at 15:00, and it forms part of the Diski Festival of matches scheduled at the venue this weekend.

Amakhosi come into this fixture with some challenges, as five of their key players are currently representing South Africa’s U20 squad in the COSAFA U20 tournament in Mozambique, where they will play against the hosts in this afternoon’s final. The national representatives missing from the DDC team today are Takalani Mazhamba, Keabetswe Morake, Egan Freese, Teboho Mlangeni, as well as the standout performer at the regional tournament, Steven Mendes, who has provided multiple goals and assists in the competition.

While Coach Vela Khumalo admits he’s a bit frustrated to be missing these players at the start of the season, he also appreciates that they’re gaining valuable international experience and is proud of their representing the nation, which has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations next year.

“Look, it’s been a bit of a challenge given that some of the players we had last season do not qualify due to the age limitations of the competition, but it also allows younger guys to come up and showcase their talents at this level,” the coach says, adding, “We’ve worked hard to make sure we come up with a strong team for this opening clash today against a team that lifted the trophy last season. We were champions at the end of the 2024/25 season and would like to do it again as we try and instil the winning mentality from this age cohort.”

Chiefs have enjoyed three consecutive victories over Pirates in the DDC and will attempt to make it four in a row when they lock horns this afternoon.

The coach wished Amajita well in the Cosafa U20 final and called on the Amakhosi faithful in Durban to come out in numbers and support the young Glamour Boys as the DDC season gets underway in KwaMashu this afternoon.

The match starts at 15:00 at Princess Magogo stadium.