The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has secured a new five-year sponsorship deal with DStv for the Diski Challenge tournament, ensuring its continuation despite the league's new headline sponsorship with Betway.
This announcement was made by PSL Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza at the official unveiling of the Betway Premiership sponsorship at the PSL offices in Parktown, Johannesburg.
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Dr. Khoza emphasized the ongoing partnership with DStv, highlighting the broader relationship beyond mere sponsorship.
"As I am speaking to you now we have a new five-year contract with DStv for the Diski Challenge tournament. We have a great understanding with DStv which is beyond just the headline sponsorship so there is nothing to worry about because the Diski Challenge is safe for the next five years. We will continue to develop players from that conveyor belt," Khoza told the media.
Reflecting on the origins and success of the Diski Challenge, Dr. Khoza shared his insights into the initial skepticism and eventual triumph of the reserve league concept.
"When I had this idea of the Diski, I didn't see it coming to light but thanks to the CEO sitting in front here (Mato Madala). She believes in it and and she was there when I presented it and at the first press conference in Durban. Her team (Golden Arrows) however unfortunately got relegated that season but as fate could have it and as a reward of believing in the idea when her team bounced back they won the Diski Challenge twice in a row."
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The Diski Challenge has proven to be a vital platform for developing young talent within South African football, offering clubs a sustainable way to nurture future stars. Dr. Khoza highlighted the importance of this developmental league in providing opportunities for clubs that may not have the financial resources to buy established players.
"Other teams can not always have the money to buy players and the DDC is helping them develop their own players who are doing well in the league. So we are glad that we have another five years for the Diski," Khoza concluded.
Currently, the Stellenbosch DDC team holds the championship title, having won the tournament twice in succession. The continuation of the Diski Challenge under the new sponsorship agreement with DStv promises to further enhance the development of young players and contribute to the overall growth of South African football.
