This weekend, the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) will bring an electric line-up with four regional derbies set to enthrall fans at Dobsonville Stadium. Featuring matchups from Limpopo, Pretoria, Polokwane, and Soweto, fans can expect intense rivalry, as teams jostle for bragging rights and crucial league points.

The action starts on Saturday, with the Limpopo Derby featuring Magesi FC and Marumo Gallants. Magesi, a new entrant in the league, holds 12th position with eight points from 10 matches, while Gallants are fighting to rise from the bottom. They languish in 15th place with just three points, having managed only one win, one draw, and eight losses this season.

Both teams are coming off losses; Magesi suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to TS Galaxy, while Gallants fell 3-1 to Polokwane City. However, Gallants might have a slight edge, having had a bye the previous week after their scheduled opponents, Royal AM, exited the league due to player shortages. This rest period might give them the added preparation they need for a tough encounter. 

Later in the day, fans will be treated to the Pretoria Derby as SuperSport United take on Mamelodi Sundowns in what promises to be a high-octane encounter. Matsantsantsa is in fiery form, coming off three consecutive wins, including a 4-0 rout of Golden Arrows, a thrilling 5-3 victory over Richards Bay, and a 3-2 triumph against Orlando Pirates.

However, the Brazilians, who need no extra motivation for this encounter, have their sights set on a league-leading 25 points if they can clinch a win on Saturday. Their recent form has been formidable, boasting a 5-1 demolition of Cape Town City, a 3-0 victory over Arrows, and a 3-1 win against Chippa. This derby promises an intense contest as both sides vie for supremacy in Pretoria.

Sunday’s DDC action heats up with the Polokwane Derby, where Polokwane will face Sekhukhune United. The two mid-table teams are separated by a mere two points, each struggling to find consistent form. Sekhukhune last impressed in October with a resounding 5-1 win over Chippa United but has since seen a mixed bag of results, with three draws and one loss.

Rise and Shine, on the other hand, has defensive concerns, having leaked goals in recent games with heavy losses including a 5-2 defeat to Cape Town City, a 4-0 thrashing by Chiefs, and a 5-1 loss to Richards Bay. This clash will be crucial for both teams to solidify their standings and regain momentum.

Closing out the weekend’s action is the highly anticipated Soweto Derby, where the Buccaneers take on Amakhosi. With Chiefs in the second position of the league at 23 points, they will be eager to overtake the reigning champions Stellenbosch FC, who sit just above them due to a high goal difference.

The Buccaneers have displayed resilience, recently securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Stellies and so will fancy their chances against Amakhosi who are in formidable form, riding a six-game unbeaten streak, with their last loss dating back to September against SuperSport.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, as both Soweto giants eye a leap in the standings and seek to keep their fanbase elated in this long-standing rivalry. The stage is set for an exhilarating weekend as the DDC brings together these rivalries for a showcase of young talent and local pride.