Stellies’ NextGen opponents revealed

The Premier League has released the fixtures for the 2024 Next Generation Cup. Reigning DStv Diski Challenge champions, Stellenbosch FC representing South Africa, will go up against Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in the group stages.

Now in its fifth edition, The Next Gen Cup is part of the Premier League’s long-standing partnership with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), part of the Indian Super League and has over the last two tournaments extended an invite to the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) Reserve League (DStv Diski Challenge) champions to participate.

The 2024 competition, scheduled for 1-4 August at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Training Ground, will run over four match rounds, with two groups of four clubs playing each other before proceeding to a final fixture based on table positions to close the tournament.

The two groups will then be merged to determine the final rankings for position 1 to 8. The top two ranked teams will contest the final which will be played at the Loughborough University Stadium

The two-time Diski Challenge champions will begin their quest for a second title against reigning Premier League 2 champions, Spur on Thursday, August 1st at 4pm SA Time.

MultiChoice remains true to its commitment to develop local talent, recognising exceptional performers and enriching lives through the Diski Challenge. The Group’s investment into African football drives the sports economy by creating jobs, developing players and communities. Initiatives like the Diski Challenge contribute immensely to the prosperity of African football and the communities that nurture it.

Their second match will be against Villa the following day at 10am, with Palace as their final group opponent on Saturday at 3pm.

“This is a wonderful opportunity and reward for our boys. We are anticipating a great tournament and challenge against the prestigious academies,” said Stellenbosch coach Evangelos Vellios.

He added that they will give their best shot this year after losing the final on penalties last year.

“When you go to competition, you always have an ambition to win. We are excited and we will do our best to keep the small legacy that we have built.”

This will be Stellenbosch's third appearance in the tournament. They have an impressive record in the competition, winning it in 2022 after thrashing Leicester City 7-2 in the final and then narrowly relinquishing the title to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2023 after a penalty shootout.

All matches will be 11-a-side and will be 50 minutes long, with two 25-minute halves being played in each fixture.

The tournament will be live on the SuperSport Schools channel (216) and the SuperSport Schools App.