Diski Challenge, the unsung hero of South African football

Foresight to form league's bearing fruit

- Mandla Ndlovu

South African football is experiencing a tangible resurgence. With Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs making deep runs in continental competitions – boasting two teams in the CAF Champions League semi-finals and one in the Confederation Cup semi-finals in 2025 – and Bafana Bafana poised strongly for World Cup qualification, the signs of progress are undeniable.

While many factors contribute to this success, one crucial element, celebrating its 10th anniversary, deserves significant credit: the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC).

Launched in 2014 as the MultiChoice Diski Challenge through a partnership with the PSL, the league formalised and revitalised reserve team football in South Africa. Before the DDC, reserve structures were often inconsistent. The DDC brought structure, regular competition, and vital television exposure, creating a crucial “halfway house” between amateur ranks and the professional demands of the premiership.

Crucially, over the past decade, under the guidance and advocacy of the league’s leadership, notably PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, there has been a consistent push to integrate younger players into the DDC framework.