Kaizer Chiefs’ reserve side has been crowned 2024/25 DStv Diski Challenge champions after completing one of the most dominant campaigns in the competition’s history. The young Amakhosi signed off their triumphant season in emphatic fashion, routing AmaZulu 5-0 on Sunday to lift the trophy in style and underline their supremacy in South Africa’s premier U23 league.

Already confirmed as champions before kickoff, Chiefs turned their final fixture into a celebration of attacking football and squad depth. The victory was highlighted by braces from Manqoba Ozoemana and Njabulo Hlongwane, with Siphesihle Tati also getting his name on the scoresheet. Their performance wasn’t just about goals; it was a statement – the kind only true champions can make.

The Soweto giants wrapped up their season with staggering statistics: 22 wins, only two losses, and an all-time record 70 points from 28 matches – seven more than their nearest challengers, Stellenbosch FC. The gap reflects not only their consistency but also the calibre of talent being developed at Naturena.

More than just a title, this triumph symbolizes a golden era for the club’s youth development academy. Underpinning this success is a clear philosophy and system that has produced technically gifted and tactically disciplined players ready to challenge for senior honours.

The final day was rich in symbolism. Before kickoff, Chiefs received a guard of honour from AmaZulu – a moment of respect that echoed the sentiment across the league: the best team had won. But even with the silverware already secured, the young Glamour Boys played with hunger and precision.

Ozoemana set the tone early, netting in the sixth minute, then doubling his tally by the 23rd. He then drew a foul in the box to win a penalty, confidently converted by Hlongwane. Ozoemana was again involved in the fourth, this time as creator for Tati, before Hlongwane completed the scoring with a commanding header from a Neo Bohloko free kick.

Elsewhere, Stellenbosch finished strong with a narrow 1-0 win over TS Galaxy courtesy of Ethan Felix, securing second place with 63 points. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ Siphamandla Msezane clinched the Golden Boot with 15 goals, narrowly edging out Cape Town City’s Cee-Jay Bezuidenhout and Chiefs’ own Hlongwane, who both ended with 14.

While individual accolades drew headlines, the 2024/25 DDC season will be remembered for Kaizer Chiefs’ all-round brilliance. Their blend of attacking flair, defensive solidity, and squad depth points to a promising future for the senior team – with several stars now knocking loudly on the first-team door.For now, the title celebrations will continue, but make no mistake: this feels like just the beginning for a generation of players who have already made history.