By: Bhekumndeni Kunene

The MultiChoice Diski Challenge got off to a successful start at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi Township over the past weekend.

Minister of Sports and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula in the company of Premier Soccer League’s Dr Irvin Khoza and Imtiaz Patel, officially declared the tournament open with the unveiling of the trophy.

The stadium was packed to the rafters with passionate supporters from Umlazi and surrounding areas.  The first game of the day featured local club Amazulu against Orlando Pirates.

The match between Amazulu and Orlando Pirates started slowly as both teams cancelled each other out.

Goal scoring chances were few and far between in the second half until Siphesihle Sangweni found the back of the net in stoppage time to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 victory.

Man of the match, Neo Matshaya, was pleased with the team performance and the three points.

“It was a tough game with both teams playing offensively and giving their all.  We would like to thank the PSL and the sponsors for this development that gives us chances to show what we can do,” he added.

The second match of the day featured Maritzburg United against the mighty Kaizer Chiefs.

The KZN based team did not seem overawed by their opponents as they attacked with intent from the start.

Their missed chances came back to bite them in the second half when captain Ayren Bond was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.

Chiefs captain Josta Dladla made no mistake from the spot and that was to be the only goal of the match.  Amakhosi walked away with the three points.

Kaizer Chiefs Manager, Johannes ‘Ryder’ Mofokeng said that they were happy with the win even though it was not their main goal.

“We are not here only to win the tournament but we are here to develop players for the future of Kaizer Chiefs.  We are happy with the win nonetheless,“ he said.

Bloemfonten Celtic took on the University of Pretoria in the penultimate game of the day.

AmaTucks started brightly in what was ultimately a dull first half.  Siwelele came back strongly in the second half but they also failed to breach the Tucks defence.  The match ended in a stalemate.

The last game of the day featured Bidvest Wits against Platinum Stars.

Wits were awarded a penalty in the first half which was converted by Thembinkosi Phiri.  Platinum Stars got back on level terms with ten minutes to play as the match ended in a draw.

Bidvest Wits Head of Development, Glen Salmon, was very pleased with the football played on the day.

“This has been an all-round good football tournament.  All the teams here showed a lot of guts in attacking areas as well as defence.  The future looks bright for South African football,” he concluded.

The next round of matches will take place in Cape Town on Sunday.