The DStv Diski Challenge recently celebrated a decade of existence, proudly showcasing a conveyor belt of homegrown talent that has even made its mark in Europe.
Players like Lyle Foster, Percy Tau, Siyabonga Ngezana, and Shandre Campbell are just a few who have risen through its ranks, turning raw potential into polished brilliance.
The transition from the DSTV Diski Challenge to the top-flight and the Motsepe Foundation Championship has become the norm, with young stars seamlessly making the jump.
Recently, we’ve seen exciting prospects such as Relebogile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Malibongwe Khoza, Siyabonga Mabena, Kutlwano Lethlaku, Jayden Adams, Jaeden Rhodes, Devin Titus, and the latest Orlando Pirates recruit, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, stepping onto the big stage.
At the heart of this transformation within the Pirates setup is coach Joseph “Duku Duku” Makhanya, a former Buccaneers player himself, now guiding the next generation. But the journey doesn’t begin at Diski level – it runs deeper, all the way down to the ABC Motsepe League, where a club rich in history, Pele Pele FC, has been quietly molding future stars.
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The legacy of Pele Pele is deeply intertwined with the history of Pirates. In 1934, a group of young boys formed a football club at the Orlando Boys Club, under the encouragement of boxing instructor Andries ‘Pele Pele’ Mkhwanazi.
That club would later evolve into the globally recognized institution that is Orlando Pirates. To honor Mkhwanazi’s legacy, Pele Pele was established in the ABC Motsepe League, and it has since played a crucial role in preparing young talents for the Diski Challenge and the PSL.
We had the privilege of speaking with current AmaZulu FC Diski Challenge head coach Mncedisi ‘Dada’ Sibiya, a seasoned coach with 17 years of experience at the grassroots level.
Hailing from Chesterville, Durban, Sibiya began his coaching career in Newlands before moving to Margate, where he led Happy Wanderers FC in the ABC Motsepe League.
“That’s where my journey really took off. The league is full of talent, and I found myself committed to developing players,” he shared.
Sibiya’s coaching résumé includes stints at Friends FC, Dabeka Sporting FC, Asanda FC, Njampela FC, and Pele Pele, where he spent four years shaping the careers of players like Mofokeng, Nkota, Ndlozi, and Mbokazi.
Notably, he also coached Tshepo Kakora, who scored the winning goal for Magesi FC against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout competition.
Sibiya highlights the importance of the Pirates Cup in providing a platform for young talents to be scouted and introduced into the semi-professional ranks.
“Back in the day, seeing a young player break into a first team was rare. Now, we see multiple players making the jump simultaneously. This is thanks to structured development programs, Safa coaching badges, and the integration of first-team philosophies at youth levels.
“The use of GPS tracking, performance analysis, and nutrition plans has further accelerated the development of these players,” Sibiya explained.
The impact of youth development extends beyond individual players and clubs – it fuels the broader sports community. When nurtured properly, these young stars become role models, inspiring the next generation while attracting investment and increased participation in the sport.
Ultimately, developing players is about more than just refining skills; it’s about shaping athletes who leave a lasting mark on South African football and beyond. And as the Buccaneers continue to reap the rewards of their thriving development system, the future looks brighter than ever for the beautiful game.
