Kaizer Chiefs start 2026 in style with Diski Challenge rout

The defending champions, who lifted the reserve league title with a record points tally last season, are still searching for peak consistency this term.

Nonetheless, Chiefs sit fourth on the standings with 23 points from 13 matches and hold a crucial game in hand on the teams above them,' Sportswirr reported.

Their lighter schedule follows the club's trip to the United Kingdom late last year as part of the PSL and MultiChoice rewards programme after winning the competition last season.

The opening half ended goalless, although Chiefs went close when Naledi Hlongwane rattled the woodwork. The Glamour Boys, however, raised the tempo after the break as goals began to flow.

Chiefs broke the deadlock just four minutes into the second half when Imaad Hendricks showed composure in front of goal to put his side ahead - much to the delight of his father, Ashraf Hendricks, who was in attendance.

Ashraf Hendricks was recently appointed head coach of Durban City's DStv Diski Challenge side and had been involved at the same venue earlier in the week, guiding his team to a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows.

Chiefs doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute as substitute Neo Bohloko found the near-post finish after being teed up by Hlongwane. Two minutes later, Hendricks completed his brace, this time benefiting from a Bohloko assist, effectively putting the contest beyond the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.

Bohloko capped off an impressive cameo in the 90th minute, showing strength under pressure before calmly slotting the ball between the goalkeeper's 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 1-1 draw at the Hammersdale venue. Sifundo Shezi cancelled out Ayanda Magubane's early opener as the sides shared the spoils.