After Stellenbosch FC lifted the league title over two months ago, teams have completed their preseason schedules and are ready to start the grind of the new campaign.
When does the 2022-23 Diski Challenge season start?
The 2022-23 EPL season is scheduled to start this weekend 10-11 September with a derby Bonanza that will take place at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, Durban.
The reigning champions Stellenbosch FC will face cross-town rivals, Cape Town City on Saturday morning in the first match of the season [10h00].
The Cape Town derby will be followed by the KwaZulu-Natal derby between Golden Arrows and AmaZulu [12 midday].
On Sunday, Tshwane rivals SuperSport United will face Mamelodi Sundowns and the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates would be the last fixture of the day in Durban.
THERE'S A LOT AT STAKE THIS SEASON
Besides being crowned Diski Challenge Champions, there's a lot at stake for the youngsters.
This upcoming campaign will give them the perfect opportunity to put their hands up for junior national team [Under-17 and Under-20] selection.
Both the SA junior teams will soon be starting their quest of qualifying for their respective Africa Cup of Nations through the Cosafa Cup Championships.
The Afcon serves as a qualification for the 2023 Under-17 and Under-20 Fifa World Cups.
Since the Diski Challenge's inception in 2014, SA has qualified for two Under-20 World Cup and one Under-17 World Cup.
TEAMS TO WATCH FOR THIS SEASON
SUPERSPORT UNITED
After falling two points shy from eventual winners last season, SuperSport United are expected to give the best show and be among the title challengers. However, it will be tricky for the Tshwane-based club as most of their cream of the crop that played last season is now part of the senior team. Coach Thabo September is expected to have a new look squad and it remains to be seen if they will be able to hit the ground running.
STELLENBOSCH FC
The reigning champions are also in the same position as SuperSport. The core of their squad that won the league and English Premier League next generation cup are in the first team now. Coach Evangelos Vellios was left with no option but to promote their under-19 team to Diski Challenge. Stellies could also find it difficult to repeat last season's heroics.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS AND KAIZER CHIEFS
Last season the two clubs were in a building phase. Their coaches Surprise Moriri and Vela Khumalo made a promise that they will only be a challenge for title honours the following season (2022-23 season) as their squads had inexperienced youngsters. Now with the league starting it will be seen if they will make any impact in the title race. Amakhosi won the Diski Shield title beating Stellenbosch 2-0 in the final mid-July.