Diski Challenge changing the outlook of SA national team

The DStv Diski Challenge continues to have a significant impact on the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.

You look good in the Bafana Bafana kit Rele! 🇿🇦

I swear his 1 touch was applauded more than the win! 😁😆

Relebohile Mofokeng is an internationally capped player! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/vfnmLQhWM5

— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) June 11, 2024

On Tuesday evening, there was a momentous occasion as Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos gave Relebohile Mofokeng his senior team debut against Zimbabwe. Mofokeng, a 19-year-old sensation from Orlando Pirates, came on as a substitute in the 93rd minute, playing for about three minutes of added time.

Mofokeng x Appolis #Future pic.twitter.com/7Nb5CoGVrd

— 𝕯𝖆𝖓𝖎𝖊𝖑 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖕𝖑𝖚𝖒𝖇𝖊r 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ (@Muvhangotshedza) June 11, 2024

Although it was a brief appearance, it marked an important milestone in Mofokeng's football journey. Mofokeng became the second young player to earn a call-up to the senior national team just six months after competing in the DStv Diski Challenge. In January, Mofokeng was part of the Pirates team that was in the race for Diski honours.

Five months later, he was rewarded with a national team call-up and debut following his impressive displays playing a vital role in Pirates winning the Nedbank Cup.

Mofokeng joined Stellenbosch FC defender Athenkosi Mcaba, who was the only player who made his senior national team debut six months after making his mark in the Diski Challenge.

Mcaba, who was 19 years old then, made his senior team debut on 4 December, 2021, after winning the Diski Challenge title in the 2021-22 season. In March of the following year, Mcaba made his Bafana debut in a goalless draw against Guinea in a match played in Belgium. The influence of the Diski Challenge extends beyond individual players, contributing to the success of the national teams.

During the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in January 2023, 10 Diski Challenge graduates made significant contributions to Bafana Bafana’s progress as they earned bronze medal at the tournament.