Mabaso Strikes as Chiefs Earn Gritty Draw at Leeds
Kaizer Chiefs U21 produced a disciplined and hard-working display to earn a 1–1 draw against Leeds United U21 at the Thorpe Arch Training Ground, continuing their promising UK Tour.
Chiefs were the better side in the first half, settling quickly after a slow start and creating several chances through confident build-up play. Their pressure paid off in the 29th minute when Manqoba Ozoemena, Phago and Gopolang Taunyana combined brilliantly to set up captain Thulani Mabaso, who finished calmly for a deserved 1–0 lead. Chiefs could have doubled the advantage before the break but wasted two clear openings due to overcomplicating play in the box.
Leeds responded strongly after half-time. Chiefs began the second period brightly but conceded a penalty in the 53rd minute following a clumsy challenge. Harry Gray stepped up and converted to level the match at 1–1.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly towards the hosts. Chiefs’ rhythm dipped, and a series of avoidable mistakes invited pressure. Leeds pushed aggressively for a winner, especially in the final quarter-hour, forcing the South Africans to defend deep.
Despite being on the back foot late on, Chiefs showed resilience and organisation to hold out for the draw.
Full-Time: Leeds United U21 1–1 Kaizer Chiefs U21
Chiefs impressed with their first-half control and second-half fighting spirit, earning another valuable result on English soil.
PREMATCH REPORT
Chiefs Eye Another Statement Against Leeds U21
Kaizer Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge team continues to capture attention in the United Kingdom as they prepare for their next major assignment: a showdown against Leeds United U21 on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. Kick-off at the prestigious Thorpe Arch Training Ground is set for 15:00 (CAT).
Fresh off a historic 3-1 triumph over Manchester United U21, the young Amakhosi arrive in Leeds full of confidence and belief. Their impressive performance on Friday marked Chiefs’ first-ever victory on UK soil, further validating the club’s dominant 2024/25 DDC season, where they claimed the title with a record-breaking 70 points.
Chiefs’ UK tour — earned as a reward for their milestone campaign — features matches against Manchester United, Leeds United, and Queens Park Rangers, exposing the players to top-tier European youth structures. The squad departed South Africa on 25 November and will conclude their tour this coming weekend with a clash against QPR.
Speaking ahead of the Leeds match, top scorer Naledi Hlongwane highlighted both the challenge and the learning opportunity:
“We were happy with our performance against United, but we know we can improve. The weather was tough at first, but now we’ve settled. Our goal is to grow, compete, and learn as much as possible.”
Chiefs expect a high-intensity battle from Leeds, a side renowned for their pressing and physicality, but the South Africans believe their technical quality gives them every chance of matching the hosts.