There may be only 12 matches played in the newly expanded season of the MultiChoice Diski Challenge so far but Mamelodi Sundowns just appear to be on the right track to win the reserve league for the second time.
In the last five seasons of the Diski, the league was a sprint, played over 15 matches as team grinded to bag all the bragging rights and an all-expenses paid for trip to Europe.
That, however, has changed in the current campaign, the league is being arranged in a full season format, where teams play in the customary 30-match marathon.
Sundowns though has already showed the prowess that they’ve got what it takes to be crowned the Diski Challenge for the second time in three seasons.
Yes, the Brazilians are one of the few teams that have won the Diski Challenge in its six-year existence. They achieved that feat in 2016/2017 season, following in the footsteps of University of Pretoria and Golden Arrows.
So far, they are summit of the log standings with 29 points after dethroning, the surprise package of the season, Bidvest Wits with a 2-1 victory at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday morning.
There were, however, strugglers in Pietermaritzburg. Kaizer Chiefs played to a 1-1 draw with rookies Stellenbosch FC.
That disappointing outing ensured that Amakhosi remained eighth on the log standings, a position that has made them to be adrift from the pacesetters, Sundonws.
In the bottom of the log standings the KwaZulu Natal teams, Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United, continue to struggle as they occupy the 14th and 15th spots respectively.
It is, however, Black Leopards that have not caught the wind of what the Diski is all about; they are winless in all 12 matches as they are rooted at the foot of the log standings.
STANDOUT PLAYERS OF THE WEEKEND
CASSIUS MAILULA – MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
There’s been a lot of criticism circulating Mailula, especially following the graduation of his former teammates to the first team.
Mailula was part of the generation that won the Diski three seasons ago, but, unlike his former teammates such as Motjeka Madisha and Keletso Makgwala, he’s failed to live up to his lofty billing.
He was, however, the standout player for the Brazilians during the 2-1 win over Wits, ensuring that his team climbed to the summit of the log standings.
ANDILE THABETHE – AMAZULU
Following a slow start to their campaign, Usuthu are starting to pick up the pieces as they look to challenge for a decent finish on the log standings.
However, they were inspired to victory in the KwaZulu Natal derby against Maritzburg by Thabethe, who scored a brace as he ensured that his side were 3-0 victors.
It’s players like Thabethe that can bring a sense of belief to Ayanda Dlamini’s team, following the graduation of Bayanda Shangase to the first team.
KAGISO MADISHA – ORLANDO PIRATES
Slowly but surely Madisha is becoming a colossal figure for Pirates. On Sunday afternoon, he got the all-important goal that ensured that his team drew 1-1 with Arrows at Harry Gwala Stadium.
That was, in fact, another performance of a big match temperament especially having scored when the Sea Robbers played to 1-1 draw with pacesetters Sundowns in Atteridgeville two weeks back.
Madisha’s work rate has also took off some weight from the shoulders of Simiso Bophela, who’s had to carry Pirates’ hope through thin and thick.