Tiro van Rooyen Reflects on a Season of Promise for The Mamelodi Sundowns Diski TeamAuthor: Erica MathyeFootball rarely follows a script and the 2025/26 DStv Diski Challenge season was a perfect example.

For the Mamelodi Sundowns Diski Team, the title race went right down to the wire, with the young Brazilians entering the final fixture knowing the championship was within reach. Although the league crown ultimately slipped away on the last day, forcing the young Brazilians to settle for second place, the campaign was one filled with growth, excitement and plenty of reasons for optimism.
Leading the team through the journey was Head Coach, Tiro van Rooyen, who was experiencing his first season in the DDC after progressing through the Club’s renowned Academy structures.

Reflecting on the campaign, van Rooyen described it as an invaluable learning experience.

“My first Diski season was very interesting because I learnt a lot about the league, how competitive the DDC is. It is an important platform for player development and for preparing players to transition into First Team structures. The amount of talented youngsters in South African football gives me hope for the future.”

What made Sundowns' pursuit of the top spot in the league even more impressive was the youthful makeup of the squad. During the opening stages of the season, the team regularly fielded players who had recently graduated from the Academy ranks.

“We started the season with an extremely young team. In the first ten games, we essentially played with a fully-fledged U19 squad and they performed exceptionally well. It allowed us to see their character, quality and readiness to compete at this level. It also reflects the Club’s commitment to giving young players meaningful opportunities.”
From the outset, the coaching staff set clear objectives for the season. Beyond competing for honours, the focus was on developing players, playing attractive football and maintaining the standards associated with the Sundowns badge.

“The goals were very clear. We wanted to play entertaining football, promote players and remain competitive throughout the season. We wanted to dominate matches and demonstrate that we could sustain pressure. Looking back, I believe we achieved many of those objectives.”

Despite narrowly missing out on the title, van Rooyen remains immensely proud of what the players achieved.

“It was a good season for the players and for me, especially because it was my first season in the DDC. Not winning the league was obviously disappointing, but I am proud of what this team accomplished. They gave everything until the very end and never stopped believing.”
The campaign also strengthened the bond within the squad and reinforced important lessons that will serve the players well as they continue their football journeys.

“The biggest lesson is that even when you are physically tired, you must convince your mind to keep going and continue giving your best and enjoy the moments.”
Beyond the results, the season showcased the immense potential within the Mamelodi Sundowns development system. A youthful squad competed fearlessly, entertained supporters and demonstrated the quality required to challenge among the league's best.

With valuable experience gained and important lessons learned along the way, the future remains bright, and if the 2025/26 season proved anything, it is that the next wave of Brazilians is already knocking on the door.
2025/26 Diski Challenge Season by the Numbers
  • Wins: 22
  • Goals Scored: 71 (Most in the league)
  • Goal Difference: +39
  • Goals Conceded: 32
  • Biggest Win: 6-1 vs Orbit College Reserves
  • Top Goalscorer: Bennet Mokoena with 22 goals
  • League Finish: 2nd Place