This upcoming weekend, the eagerly awaited DStv Diski Challenge will return for its tenth season to provide exhilarating football entertainment while upholding its tradition of nurturing emerging talent.
What is DStv Diski Challenge?
This initiative is a youth development program that features a football league tournament comprising 16 PSL reserve teams, along with an internship programme designed to enhance broadcasting skills among young individuals.
When did the Diski Challenge start?
The programme was originally named the Multichoice Diski Challenge (MDC) when it commenced in September 2014. Initially, the teams were organised into two groups, with each group consisting of eight teams.
The teams used to play each other in group stages and top 4 qualified for knockout stages, quarterfinals, Semi-finals and finals.
In the 2017/18 season, the format evolved from two groups to a league system in which 16 teams compete against one another in two rounds, similar to the top-tier competition.
Prizes for the champions
The competition winners used to be awarded with a trip to the Netherlands, where they would have a four-day training camp at the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB).
They also used to engage in friendly games against Bundesliga (German Football Federal League) opponents and the Germany national team.
Now, the champions travel to UK for a Premier League Next Generation Cup where they compete with English Premier League and Indian Super League clubs.
DDC champions Stellenbosch recently won their second Next Gen this year, beating Tottenham Hotspur in the final.
Who won the first Diski Challenge?
AmaTuks won the inaugural Diski Challenge trophy after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on penalties as the game ended 2-2 in regulation time plus extra time.
Club with most championships
Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch FC have both won it twice and no other club has surpassed this record.
Champions
| Season | Champions |
| 2014/15 | AmaTuks |
| 2015/16 | Golden Arrows |
| 2016/17 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2017/18 | Golden Arrows |
| 2018/19 | Bloemfontein Celtic |
| 2019/20 | Bidvest Wits |
| 2020/21 | AmaZulu |
| 2021/22 | Stellenbosch FC |
| 2022/23 | SuperSport United |
| 2023/24 | Stellenbosch FC |
