Kaizer Chiefs To Take On Manchester United In London As UK Tour Beckons

Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge champions are set to test their mettle against one of the biggest clubs in world football Manchester United during an exciting 11-day UK tour later this year.

The Amakhosi’s youth side, who made history by clinching their first-ever DDC title with a commanding 70 points, will embark on their overseas adventure from 25 November to 7 December 2025. The highlight of the trip? A blockbuster clash against the Red Devils on Friday, 28 November in London.

A Tour Of Growth And Opportunity

The UK visit represents more than just football matches for the young Chiefs it’s an educational and cultural journey too.

After facing Manchester United, the team will go head-to-head with Leeds United on 2 December, before rounding off the tour with a match against Queens Park Rangers (QPR) U21 on 6 December.

Chiefs’ players will also participate in academy exchange programmes with Manchester United and Liverpool, where they’ll learn from some of the best youth systems in the world. To top it off, they’ll attend a Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea, giving them a front-row look at football’s global stage.

Future Stars Stepping Up

Several Diski Challenge stars have already begun making waves at senior level. Captain Aden McCarthy, who led Chiefs to the DDC title, has broken into the senior squad following in the footsteps of his father, Fabian McCarthy, who also faced Manchester United in Amakhosi colours.

Aden has quickly made his mark, earning Player of the Match honours in back-to-back Betway Premiership games against Stellenbosch FC and Polokwane City. Young talents like Kabelo Nkgwesa, Thulani Mabaso, and Takalani Mazhamba are also expected to feature as Chiefs blend youth and experience in their upcoming fixtures.

Legal Victory Boosts Chiefs’ Squad

In another positive development, the South African Football Association’s arbitrator Hilton Epstein ruled in Chiefs’ favour this week, confirming that midfielder Asanele Velebayi and forward Luke Baartman are officially eligible to play for the club.

The duo’s transfers from Cape Town Spurs had been under dispute for months, but the verdict clears them to represent Amakhosi in the ongoing season. Spurs, who were relegated to the ABC Motsepe League, had argued that losing their players for free was financially unfair. Chairman Ari Efstathiou stressed the cost of player development, saying it takes about R8 million to raise a single professional athlete.

Baartman is currently flying the South African flag at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile, further showcasing the promise within Chiefs’ new generation.

Jessica Motaung Joins FIFA Committee

Off the field, Chiefs’ Marketing and Commercial Director, Jessica Motaung, continues to blaze a trail in football administration. She’s been appointed to the FIFA Men’s Football Stakeholders Committee, two years after becoming vice-president of the African Clubs Association (ACA).

Her growing influence on the global stage highlights the Amakhosi brand’s evolution beyond the pitch a blend of heritage, ambition, and leadership shaping the next era of South African football.

Whilst some applauded her appointment others view it as an escape for Chiefs to ignore the development of a women’s football team.

The Takeaway

From winning the DStv Diski Challenge to earning international recognition, Kaizer Chiefs are riding a powerful wave of momentum. The London tour headlined by the showdown against Manchester United is not just a reward, but a signal that South Africa’s most storied club is investing deeply in its future.

For Amakhosi fans, it’s a proud moment that connects the golden past with a bright, globally connected future.

{Source:IOL}

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