DStv Diski Challenge to open with Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs

The 2026/27 DStv Diski Challenge season will begin on Saturday, 26 September, with the opening weekend headlined by a Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

The fixture brings together the reigning champions and one of their most difficult recent opponents, with Pirates looking to extend their strong start to the campaign and Chiefs aiming to maintain their recent dominance in this contest.

Pirates ended the 2025/26 season by securing their first DDC title since the reserve league was introduced. They confirmed their success on the final day by beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0.

Roscoe Krieling’s side also set a number of records during their title-winning campaign. They finished with 75 points, losing only three matches, drawing four and recording 24 victories.

The Buccaneers enter the new season on a run of six consecutive wins. However, their recent record against Kaizer Chiefs is a concern, with Pirates having failed to beat their Soweto rivals in the past three years.

Their last victory over Amakhosi came in 2023. Since then, Chiefs have won five of the meetings, while one match ended in a draw.

Kaizer Chiefs, who won the 2024/25 DDC title, will be seeking a stronger campaign after finishing fourth last season. The young Glamour Boys ended the previous competition on 49 points, 26 behind champions Pirates.

Their fourth-place finish followed the departure of a core group of players, but Chiefs will hope to begin the new campaign by continuing their impressive recent record against their Soweto rivals.

The opening-weekend derby will be played at Princess Magogo Stadium, where Kaizer Chiefs will attempt to preserve their hold over Pirates in the fixture.

The first round of matches forms part of the return of the DStv Diski Challenge for the 2026/27 season, with the Soweto Derby providing the main focus of the opening schedule.