Stellenbosch FC came from behind three times against Golden Arrows to clinch the DStv Diski Challenge title on the final day at Tsakane Stadium on Saturday.
Introducing your 2023/24 DStv Diski Challenge champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/XndPyn5XWg
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) May 11, 2024
Stellies came to the match needing at least a draw to clinch the title but things turned out to be difficult that they thought it would be as they found themselves 2-0 down in the first 30 minutes of the match.
Arrows scored two quick goals in the 29 and 30th minute through Samkelo Mzolo and Sandile Ndlovu.
Stellies then had a mountain to climb as they needed at least a draw to clinch the title. They tried to fight back but couldn’t find the back of the net as the match went to the break with Arrows leading 2-0.
In the second half Stellies had a bright start as they reduced the deficit in the 50th minute through Ethan Felix.
Mervin Boji levelled the matters in the 66th minute and their hopes were revived.
However, things took a twist with 15 minutes to go when Simthandile Sishi scored an own goal.
Boji showed class with nine minutes remaining as he levelled the matters. He then completed his hat-trick a minute later in the 83rd minute and that was wrap. This was Stellies second Diski Challenge title as they first won it during the 2021/22 season.
They join Arrows who are the only team to have won the Diski Challenge title twice since its inception in 2014.
Boji who was the star of the show said when they were 2-0 down at halftime, their coach Evangelos Vellios told them (Boji, Thulani Mini and Liam De Kock) to step up.
“Under-23 players in our team are only Mini, Myself and Liam. The coach said we must lead this team to victory at halftime and we had no other option,” stated Boji.
“Three goals for me, but it’s never about me those were team goals and I am happy that I contributed to this success."
Boji said his focus now switched to the first team as he believes he has played his role in the Diski Challenge.
Early on the day, Mamelodi Sundowns who were still in contention ran riot thumping Moroka Swallows 6-0. Downs needed a victory at all costs and hoped Stellenbosch lose to Arrows to win the league.
Kutlwano Letlhaku and Kebetswe Ramotsei scored a brace for each goal and the other two goals were scored by Siya Mabena and Jerome Karelse.