By Johnathan Paoli

The 2026 Gauteng Development League season got underway with a flurry of goals across the Under-19 division this weekend, with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns opening their title defence in emphatic fashion.

Sundowns thrashed Rockevfs 5-0 in the standout result of the opening round, with Tebogo Moreri scoring a first-half hat-trick after Liano Snyders had opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes. Kgaogelo Monanyane was also on target as the champions made an early statement.

Moreri grabbed his first in the 23rd minute before adding two more before the break, while Sundowns’ strong start underlined why they will again be among the teams to beat this season.

Kathorus Hyper Academy also began the new campaign with a win, edging Africa School of Excellence 4-3 in one of the weekend’s highest-scoring encounters.

Gift Muyambo opened the scoring, Sizwe Sidu added another, and Esethu Witvoet converted from the penalty spot as Kathorus held off a spirited fightback.

Remember Elite Sport Academy, runners-up in last weekend’s Top 8 final, also opened with a victory, beating Panorama 3-2 in a closely contested match. Bandile Sithole scored twice, Nceba Jozela added the other goal, and Brian Molefe supplied all three assists in a decisive contribution.

Elsewhere, Siwelele FC beat Jomo Cosmos 2-0, Randburg AFC overcame newly promoted Prestige Football Development Academy 2-1, and Joburg City FC secured a 3-1 win over the University of Pretoria. Wits Junior also claimed an impressive 1-0 victory over Highlands Park.

One of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening weekend, between Kaizer Chiefs and Seven’s Academy, was called off because of waterlogged fields at Chiefs Village in Naturena.

The new league season followed Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 win over RESA in the Under-19 Top 8 final the previous weekend, and the opening round suggested another fiercely competitive campaign lies ahead.

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