Kaizer Chiefs made a winning start to their 2026/27 DStv Diski Challenge campaign after beating Orlando Pirates 3-2 in an entertaining Soweto Derby at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The two reserve sides produced an action-packed contest in KwaMashu, with Chiefs establishing a three-goal advantage before Pirates mounted a late fightback that set up a tense finish.
In the end, Amakhosi held on to secure all three points and begin their new DDC campaign with victory.
Bohloko puts Chiefs in control
Kaizer Chiefs captain Neo Bohloko was the standout performer for the Amakhosi, scoring twice during an impressive first-half spell.
Chiefs opened the scoring in the 28th minute after Bohloko capitalised on a mistake from Pirates defender Tristan O’Malley. The Chiefs captain took advantage of the opportunity before producing a long-range finish that sailed beyond goalkeeper Viwe Fetsha.
Bohloko was on target again just six minutes later as Chiefs quickly doubled their advantage.
The momentum remained with Amakhosi and they added a third goal in the 39th minute through Samkelo Msimango, giving Chiefs a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.
Pirates fight back
Despite finding themselves three goals behind, Orlando Pirates refused to surrender.
The Buccaneers gradually increased the pressure and eventually found a way through when Siyabonga Ngwenya produced a well-struck volley to reduce the deficit.
Pirates then had another opportunity to get back into the contest after being awarded a penalty following Ngwenya being brought down inside the Chiefs penalty area.
Lwandle Nzimande stepped up from the spot and calmly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and making it 3-2.
The goal gave Pirates renewed belief, and the reigning DDC champions continued pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
Chiefs survive late pressure
The closing stages became increasingly tense as Pirates searched for a third goal.
Chiefs were also reduced to 10 men in the 90th minute when Emile Dortley was sent off, adding further pressure to the Amakhosi’s defence.
Pirates were unable to find the equaliser, however, and Chiefs managed to see out the remaining minutes to claim a 3-2 victory.
Important opening win for Amakhosi
The result gives Kaizer Chiefs an encouraging start to their 2026/27 DDC campaign.
The match was also significant because Orlando Pirates entered the new season as the reigning DDC champions, while Chiefs were looking to begin their campaign strongly despite several notable players being unavailable.
According to Kaizer Chiefs, five of their players were away with South Africa’s U20 squad at the COSAFA U20 tournament in Mozambique. Those players included Takalani Mazhamba, Keabetswe Morake, Egan Freese, Teboho Mlangeni and Steven Mendes.
The absence of those players provided an opportunity for other members of the Chiefs reserve squad to step forward, and they responded with a memorable derby victory.
Full-time
Orlando Pirates 2-3 Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs scorers: Neo Bohloko (2), Samkelo Msimango
Orlando Pirates scorers: Siyabonga Ngwenya, Lwandle Nzimande
The victory continues Chiefs’ recent strong run against Pirates at DDC level, with the club having recorded three consecutive victories over their Soweto rivals before Sunday’s fixture.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the focus now turns to building on this opening victory as the 2026/27 DStv Diski Challenge season progresses.
