Sparks are expected to fly once again this coming weekend and there is an expectation that the crowd will come out in numbers yet again in the DStv Diski Challenge festival at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
Orlando Pirates, who were the DDC runners-up last term to SuperSport United, moved to the top of the table last weekend after they hammered Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 at Tsakane Stadium on Sunday.
The Soweto giants, who are coached by former star midfielder Joseph Makhanya, lead the log with 29 points after 13 matches, one ahead of 2021/22 winners Stellenbosch FC. But the Buccaneers are yet, just like Kaizer Chiefs, to claim the junior league trophy of the PSL.
Pirates have seen Sundowns, AmaZulu, SuperSport United, Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch FC go to the podium and being crowned champions in the past since the establishment of this competition was launched ahead of the 2014/15 season.
This coming Saturday in Durban, Polokwane City faces Reneilwe Letsholonyane’s AmaZulu at 13:00 and Japhet Zwane’s Arrows square up against Makhanya’s Pirates at 15:00.
On Sunday, Royal AM will face Cape Town City at 13:00 before Chiefs take on TS Galaxy at 15:00.
MultiChoice CSI manager of sports programs, Sandile Luthuli has explained why they are getting good attendance in the stands, as it was jam-packed in the City of Ekurhuleni in Tsakane last weekend.
“The Diski Challenge is a unique selling point of being accessible to the communities,” said Luthuli.
“We are playing all the matches inside the communities, inside the townships, as fans are not required to spend money to travel to the games.
“On top of accessibility, the Diski Challenge always rolls out fun fan engagement competitions, especially at half-time.
“Since it is January and as the country gears up to the start of the school year, the Diski Challenge is running a back-to-school competition where fans can win a school uniform voucher to the value of R1500 as well stationery hampers for a losing participant.
“Lastly, fans are encouraged to come to the stadium as a family so that they can be chosen to be part of the half-time activations – they can win these back-to-school vouchers. Tickets will be collected at the stadium and as you know, it is free.”
