Diski Challenge Champions get to business after safe arrival in London

Stellenbosch FC have safely landed in Birmingham, London where they will play in the Premier League Next Generation Cup.

The two-time DStv Diski Challenge Champions left Mzansi on Monday evening and arrived in the United Kingdom on Tuesday afternoon.

Stellies will be making their third appearance in the international tournament that features the Premier League and India Academies. They first earned the right to play in this tournament after winning the

2021/22 Diski Challenge title. Coach Evangelos Vellios’ young team went to England and exceeded expectations when they won the NextGen Cup on debut. Last year, they lost the title to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the final, on penalties.

Stellies have been drawn in tough Group A alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace between 1-4 August at Bodymoor Ground.

Coach Vellios said this will not be only about competing against the best Academies, but it is an opportunity for them to learn and grow from this experience.

They will play their first match against Tottenham on Thursday, August 1st at 3pm SA Time.

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

"We’ve had some very tough games against them in the past as well and those contrasting styles help the players to test themselves against international players and on an international stage, with all the pressures that come with that. We’re very excited to learn and grow, for us as the coaches through our interactions and at the academies that we visit, and for the players and their overall development as footballers and as human beings," Vellios told the club website.

Despite the team going to the UK for the second time, some players in the squad would be their first time travelling to Europe, and it is a dream come true.

"It’s a great opportunity for our brand, town, and supporters to represent South Africa in such a great tournament. We did well in the last two years, winning one edition and reaching the final," Stated the coach.

"Now we have the opportunity to compete against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton, which is just a dream come true for our boys. It gives them the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best young players in the world, if you consider the stature of the Premier League, and against teams from India who have shown tremendous growth in their football."

Catch Stellenbosch NextGen matches live on SuperSport Schools, channel 216.