Soccer Laduma 1492: Chiefs, Sundowns and the future of South Africa’s DDC

The 1492nd edition of Soccer Laduma, available on Thursday, 17th September 2026, examines Brandon Petersen’s position at Kaizer Chiefs, Thabo Cele’s move to Mamelodi Sundowns and growing concerns over the future of the DStv Diski Challenge.

Chiefs assess Petersen debate

Kaizer Chiefs’ uneven start to the season has been accompanied by costly defensive and goalkeeping mistakes, placing captain and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen under scrutiny.

Former players, supporters and retired goalkeepers have urged coach Fernando Da Cruz to remove “Beeza” from the firing line. The edition considers whether that criticism is justified, given Petersen’s outstanding form last season, his status as Chiefs captain and the alternative goalkeeping options available to the club.

Cele’s Sundowns opportunity

Thabo Cele has become the latest player to represent Mamelodi Sundowns after previously playing for Kaizer Chiefs. He follows a group that includes Brian Baloyi, Jabulani Mendu, George Maluleka and George Lebese.

Cele was regarded as an influential figure at Amakhosi, whether starting matches or contributing from the bench. Despite having time left on his contract, Chiefs chose to part company with him, allowing Sundowns to sign the former national U23 player as a free agent.

Following the unfortunate death of Jayden Adams, Sundowns appear to have found a potential midfield replacement. The feature assesses where Cele could fit into the team and whether Chiefs will feel his absence.

DDC future under threat

A special feature examines the uncertain future of the DStv Diski Challenge after Canal Plus took over MultiChoice and the business underwent restructuring.

For more than a decade, the competition has provided young players with a demanding environment in which to develop. It has also allowed professional clubs to assess emerging talent, connected academy football with the senior game and given promising players an opportunity to be noticed.

The feature argues that the league, which has produced Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thapelo Maseko and Lyle Foster, is one of South African football’s most important development projects and should be protected.

More from issue 1492

Orlando Pirates midfielder Edmilson Chaney discusses his rapid return to the senior squad after joining from newly promoted Motsepe Foundation Championship club Hope FC. The 19-year-old Cape Town-born attacking midfielder was initially loaned back to Hope FC, but was later recalled to the Orlando Amstel Arena. He reflects on the standards set by Gerald Stober, the first player from the Mother City recruited by the Soweto club.

An international feature previews the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament returns to East Africa for the first time in 51 years under the Pamoja 2027 banner, with “Pamoja” meaning “Together” in Swahili.

The 48 qualifying nations will compete for 24 places. Matches will be played home and away across 12 groups and three FIFA international windows: Matchdays 1 and 2 from 24 September to 6 October 2026, Matchdays 3 and 4 from 9 to 17 November, and Matchdays 5 and 6 from 22 to 30 March 2027.

Normally, the top two teams in each group qualify. But because the co-hosts are automatically through, only the highest-ranked non-host nation in Groups D, H and L will advance. That leaves Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana with no margin for error in Group D, where Kenya, Guinea and Eritrea provide the opposition.

Chris Tyhawana discusses the SAFA election results, while Siyagobhoza features Nuno Santos’ possible Euro return, the continuing possibility of a Mbuthu move and cooling European interest in Mbokazi.