Look out for these reserve league products this season

With the Diski Challenge proving to be a success in the past five seasons by producing players like Percy Tau, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Sihle Ndebele looks at five fledgling Diski stars who are odds-on to make their mark in the big league soon

Lindokuhle Zungu (AmaZulu)

Zungu played a pivotal role in AmaZulu’s DStv Diski Challenge Rewired triumph. The 19-year-old striker already boasts one top-flight appearance, having made his debut in Usuthu’s last game of the season against Maritzburg United. In addition to his goalscoring, Zungu is admired for his physical strength, mobility as well as his ability in the air. He was nominated for the Diski player of the tournament but lost out to Mamelodi Sundowns’ Siyanda Nyanga.

Kamohelo Hoala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Hoala finished the reserve league season with six goals, making him the joint top scorer alongside Asanda Buthelezi (Maritzburg United), Boitumelo Radiopane (Orlando Pirates) and Tahir Goedeman (Cape Town City FC). The 21-year-old is blessed with versatility as he can play any offensive position despite being a natural wing-back.

Boitumelo Radiopane (Pirates)

The School of Excellence product is destined for greater things. Radiopane was one of the few Pirates players who were consistent in the Diski tournament. The 19-year-old midfielder shot to stardom when he netted a brace that resulted in Pirates beating rivals Chiefs 2-0 at Dobsonville Stadium in April. Radiopane likes to have the ball a lot. He’s a versatile player who can also play as a defensive midfielder.

Tahir Goedeman (City)

Apart from scoring six goals to share the Golden Boot, Goedeman, 21, showed maturity and leadership for a City outfit that wasn’t as competitive. Goedeman is an out-and-out centre-forward, though he can also play as a second striker. His playing style is characterised by agility, acceleration, excellent movement off the ball and strength.

Thando Buthelezi (Sundowns)

Buthelezi forged an impressive combination with Nyanga. The 17-year-old playmaker provided more than five assists in as many Diski games in the 2020/21 season. Buthelezi’s style of play resembles that of senior team veteran Themba Zwane.