Kaizer Chiefs DDC Squad Set To Travel For England Tour

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that Thulani Mabaso and Naledi Hlongwane will spearhead the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) squad on a two-week development tour of England. The trip runs from 25 November to 7 December, following the team’s triumph as 2024/25 DDC champions.

What Happened?

The DDC champions will face three top English Under-21 sides during the tour. Chiefs will take on:

• Manchester United U21 on 28 November 2025
• Leeds United U21 on 2 December 2025
• Queens Park Rangers U21 on 6 December 2025

Additionally, the squad will tour elite facilities at both Manchester United and Liverpool academies, offering players first-hand exposure to world-class development systems.

Mabaso, who trained with the first team during pre-season and has already been listed in senior match day squads, will anchor the defensive unit. Hlongwane, who earned a start in the club’s 2–0 win over Stellenbosch FC earlier this season, will lead the attack.

Official Response

Chiefs’ development staff says the tour is a reward for the team’s outstanding season and a crucial step in bridging the gap between youth and senior football.

“This tour gives our boys priceless international experience,” a Chiefs academy official said. “Mabaso and Hlongwane have shown real growth, and this exposure will push them even further.”

Community Impact

The trip strengthens the Chiefs’ long-term development pipeline and emphasized the DDC’s value as a platform for future first-team stars. Supporters have welcomed the move, noting that overseas tours inspire young players and raise the club’s competitiveness.

Local youth coaches also expect the experience to translate into improved performances back home once the squad returns in December 2025.