Kaizer Chiefs‘ DStv Diski Challenge defender Kabelo Nkgwesa was the biggest winner at the club’s award ceremony at FNB Stadium on Friday, walking away with the Player of the Season and Most Improved Player accolades.
The highly-rated 19-year-old left-back was promoted to the senior team in March 2025 promotion to address the club’s ongoing defensive issues where the likes of Bradley Cross and Edmilson Dove have been inconsistent.
Nkgwesa has been instrumental for the Glamour Boys as they clinced the DDC title where they amassed a record points tally of 70 while winning 22 out of their 28 matches, drawing four and losing just two.
They also conceded the least number of goals (16) as they pipped defending champions Stellenbosch FC to the title with a seven-point gap at the top.
Double-award winner, Nkgwesa took time to express his appreciation for the accolades bestowed upon him on the evening.
“I am very happy. What a great day today. I am grateful for being given a platform to display my quality, and I can say there’s still more to come from me,” the talented left-back told the club’s official website.
“We knew it wouldn’t be an easy season for us. There was a time when we lost against [Mamelodi] Sundowns our coaching staff told us that would be our last defeat, and we must win all our remaining games. I was a bit shocked when I heard that but in the back of my mind I thought, playing as a team, we could do it.
“And we showed it, especially away to (nearest challengers) Stellenbosch, playing with 10 men. I was fortunate to give a good assist to give us the lead and, although they equalised, a draw was a good result.
“It was a great season, and I want to congratulate all my teammates for playing a huge role in our success,” he added.
Award winners:
Most Improved Player – Kabelo Nkgwesa
Player of the Season – Kabelo Nkgwesa
Goalkeeper of the Season – Takalani Mazhamba (Mazhamba was part of the U20 AFCON-winning squad in Egypt)
Players’ Player of the Season – Pheko Phago
Top Goal Scorer – Naledi Hlongwane
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
