The Multi-Choice/DSTV Diski Challenge is a relatively new concept, started in 2014 as a way to prepare the next generation of soccer talent in South Africa.

The clubs, supporters and sponsors have been crying out for a reserve league for many years and finally they got their wish with a lucrative deal with sponsors Multi-Choice.

The league is for teams playing their trade in the professional ranks of the PSL (see all SA Premier League predictions) and acts as a reserve team tournament. The other top SA tournaments include: Nedbank cup and MTN 8. 

The side’s must be made up of mostly under 23 year old players but often is used as a means for first team players to regain match fitness after recovering from an injury. The squads are also made up of first team players who are on the fringe of selection to the main side. It is not uncommon to see many top players competing on a particular weekend, especially with the clubs with the biggest first team squads

The formation of the reserve league has meant that all PSL clubs have started academies for talented youngsters from the region boosting the sport immensely.

The smaller clubs tend to do well in this competition and often cause upsets at the bookmakers, both in picking the eventual winners but also almost every round.

The last season was won by Golden Arrows Reserves with Bloemfontein Celtic taking second place. This is odd in that both of these side’s first teams have never finished in the top four of the PSL.

Maritzburg United Reserves finished in third while Ajax Cape Town picked up fourth spot (despite the first team being relegated from the PSL).

Sundowns, Chiefs and Pirates finished near the top half of the table.