After a two-month hiatus, the MultiChoice Diski Challenge, which is a Reserve League of the Premier Soccer League, returns for the play-off stages at the end of January.
The recess was to allow players ample time to prepare and write their year-end examinations. “The MultiChoice Diski Challenge takes a holistic approach to the development of our next generation of football stars. We want them to focus as much on their education as they do on their football,” said Teressa Malevu, head of corporate responsibility for MultiChoice.
She said the break enabled players such as Dumsani Msibi, Sphesihle Sangweni and Percy Tau among others, to successfully complete their matric. Heading into the break, Bloemfontein Celtic, SuperSport United, Polokwane City, University of Pretoria, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars and Mpumalanga Black Aces all secured themselves spots in the quarter-finals. The winners of the tournament will win a once-in-a-lifetime eight-day trip to the Netherlands.
In the two months of group stage football played last year, more than 10 players attained promotion to their respective first teams.
Promotion chasing National First Division teams also bolstered their squads with some of the talent discovered at the tournament. Off the field, the players gained essential life skills.
The quarter finals will kick off on 31 January and 1 February at King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi, Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal. Entry into the stadium is free but fans can collect two tickets per person from any Shoprite or Computicket outlets across the province.
Details: Sandile Luthuli 082 661 9959 or Sandile.Luthuli@supersport.com
