The DStv Diski Challenge launched in 2014 by MultiChoice Group has found a way to expose young players to an array of development opportunities – both on and off the pitch. These future stars will one day represent South Africa in global arenas, and for now, five of them have been officially selected to join the country’s Premier Soccer League.
The league will welcome Oshwin Andries, Cassius Mailula, Olwethu Makhanya, Antonio Van Wyk and Aphelele Teto into the fold who will be playing for different teams within the first division.
The DStv Diski Challenge provides a platform for players to showcase their talent and fast track into professional football by focusing on football player development through player tracking, profiling, and media training. Aside from the games, players interact with football legends and receive training in life and leadership skills.
“We are proud of the role we play in empowering the sporting industry through our investments in infrastructure, skills development and empowerment initiatives. This is a big win for us as MultiChoice and we cannot wait to see these five phenomenal graduates dominate on the field,” says Collen Dlamini, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice.
“We are proud to see an increasing number of young players progressing from Diski to the DSTV Premiership, but it’s even more exciting to see them excel at that level and make their mark in South African football,’’ concludes Dlamini.
The DStv Diski Challenge plays a critical role in delivering on MultiChoice’s stated objective of enriching lives. This is demonstrated by the number of young players who have taken the DSTV premiership by storm after making the jump from their different clubs’ developments.
The five graduates will be joining revered soccer teams such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, and TS Galaxy.
Oshwin Andries [Stellenbosch FC]
Andries has been a marvel to watch this season, scoring a crucial goal for Stellenbosch when they defeated Royal AM 3-1 in September and scooping the man of the match award in that game. The versatile player can switch from central midfield to defence with ease.
The 19-year-old has featured more than six times this season for coach Steve Barker’s team. He was part of the SA Under-23 team that played two Afcon qualifiers against Togo last week.
The youngster has bossed around experienced attackers this season and is always involved in Stellies attacks.
Cassius Mailula [Mamelodi Sundowns]
The Mamelodi Sundowns striker, Mailula, had enjoyed a breakthrough season, catching the eye when he scored a hat-trick when they trounced La Passe of the Seychelles 8-1 in the Caf Champions League. Mailula was promoted to the Sundowns’ first team at the end of August following injury troubles in The Brazilians’ attack, which saw new signings Abubeker Nasir and Marcello Allende ruled out, while Peter Shalulile has also been absent in recent matches.
The 21-year-old has gone on and scored six goals in just his first seven appearances. He has received rave reviews from his coach Rhulani Mokwena who believes the youngster has colossal potential.
Mokwena explained: “He’s doing exceptionally well in a very difficult moment for us. We don’t talk about the players that are missing, but we are missing almost our entire front line and to play a young boy like Cassius and give him the opportunity that he’s getting it’s not just good for Mamelodi Sundowns but for South African football.”
Olwethu Makhanya [Stellenbosch FC]
Marumo Gallants might not have had a great run last season, but they unearthed a gem in Olwethu Makhanya. The young defender was one of the outstanding players for Gallants. At the end of the season, he was snatched by league champions Stellenbosch FC. This season he has a couple of appearances in the Diski Challenge, but because of his qualities, the club promoted him to the first team. Without a doubt, Makhanya is a future Bafana Bafana player. The centre-back featured in Stellenbosch’s last five matches, playing three 90 minutes, and came as a sub twice.
Aphelele Teto [TS Galaxy]
The diminutive midfielder is among the youngsters who took PSL by storm this season and has already shown his capabilities. The teenager, who cut his teeth in the DStv Diski Challenge, had one of his best games against Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United in the league, keeping their defenders busy. So far, he has made a couple of assists, and a lot is expected from the 19-year-old.
Antonio Van Wyk [Stellenbosch FC]
Stellies have emerged as one of the best teams for unearthing and developing exceptional football talent recently. Furthermore, Maseko seems to be another precious find. The attacker has enjoyed game time under coach Barker, who has rewarded him with a goal. Van Wyk is one of those players who will be the talk of the town this season. His teammate Jayden Adams, SuperSport United midfielder Thapelo Maseko and Danyal Daya of TS Galaxy are also other players worth a mention.
As Africa’s leading sports development investor and broadcaster, the MultiChoice Group invests over R2 billion in sports and produces 700 live sports productions each year, as well as providing access to 37 sports channels, including six community channels.
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