Kaizer Chiefs began 2026 on a winning note in the DStv Diski Challenge, cruising to a convincing 4โ0 victory over Richards Bay at Mpumalanga Stadium on Sunday during a festival of matches weekend.
The defending champions, who lifted the reserve league title with a record points tally last season, have yet to fully rediscover that form this term. Nevertheless, Chiefs remain fourth on the standings with 23 points from 13 matches, and importantly have a game in hand on the teams above them.
Their reduced number of matches is due to the club spending several days in the United Kingdom late last year as part of the PSL and MultiChoice rewards programme for winning the competition last season.
The first half proved goalless, though Naledi Hlongwane came close for Chiefs when his effort struck the post. The defending champions, however, turned on the style in the second half as the goals began to flow.
Chiefs broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart, with Imaad Hendricks calmly finishing to put his side ahead โ much to the delight of his father, Ashraf Hendricks.
Ashraf Hendricks was recently appointed head coach of Durban Cityโs DStv Diski Challenge side and had been in action at the same venue days earlier, guiding City to a 1โ1 draw against Golden Arrows.
Chiefs doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Neo Bohloko found the near-post angle after being set up by Hlongwane.
Just two minutes later, Hendricks completed his brace, this time turning provider Bohloko into the assister, effectively putting the contest beyond the KwaZulu-Natal outfit โ and once again drawing smiles from his proud father in the stands.
Bohloko, who had come on in the second half, added his own second goal in the 90th minute, standing firm under pressure before coolly slotting the ball between the Richards Bay goalkeeperโs legs. He celebrated by running to the bench to embrace head coach Vela Khumalo.
Earlier in the day, the Durban derby between Durban City and Golden Arrows ended in a 1โ1 draw at the Hammersdale venue. Sifundo Shezi cancelled out Ayanda Magubaneโs early opener for City, as the two sides shared the spoils.