Kaizer Chiefs celebrate DDC champions as Motaung Jr hails vision & future potential

Amakhosi DDC players and club legends. Photo credit: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs staged a ceremony at FNB Stadium to recognise and acclaim the achievements of their 2024/25 DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) championship-winning team.

The event on Friday saw Amakhosi Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr express immense satisfaction, hailing the triumph as a significant reward for the club's long-standing commitment to youth development.

"For the lads to bring home this DDC trophy is massively important, particularly the very impressive manner in which they did it, and worthy of celebration," said a delighted Motaung Jr.

"It is especially pleasing for the chairman (Dr. Kaizer Motaung) whose vision, commitment and unwavering support for the academy has been handsomely rewarded."

The Amakhosi reserves enjoyed a great campaign, emerging as the country’s top Under-23 side. They concluded the season with a record 70 points from 28 matches, winning 22, losing only twice, with four draws. They also finished the campaign with an impressive seven-point winning margin over second-placed Stellenbosch, despite a reduced season due to Royal AM's expulsion.

Motaung Jr also looked to the future, stressing the new challenge awaiting the young champions. "Now, it’s a big challenge for them. The bar has been set, and it is all about what happens next, and I look forward to seeing how they take up that challenge and progress."

He further acknowledged the dedication of the technical staff, stating, "The incredible dedication of the academy staff deserves a lot of praise. They put in long hours of work that people don’t see, and I am very happy to see the fruits of their efforts rewarded with success."

The ceremony also celebrated individual brilliance within the championship squad. Kabelo Nkgwesa was the biggest winner with two awards: Most Improved Player and Player of the Season.

Takalani Mazhamba took home the Goalkeeper of the Season accolade, while Pheko Phago was named the Players’ Player of the Season with the Top Goal Scorer going to Naledi Hlongwane.

Amakhosi legend Siphiwe Tshabalala, who attended the celebration, highlighted the importance of honouring the young talent.

"It was a beautiful evening, and an evening of fun and greatness where we got to celebrate the success of our juniors winning the DDC," said Tshabalala. "I feel it is very important to honour them because it makes the young players aware of how big this platform is for them.

"Development is always essential for a strong foundation and mandatory to allocate all the necessary resources into it because these players are the future, they are at the doorstep of the senior team, and I am truly optimistic that they are motivated to make it to the next level.”