Gavin Hunt critical of Diski Challenge for player growth

The four-time title winning coach has argued the PSL reserve league falls short in preparing young players for the topflight.

READ: Jwaneng Galaxy’s Morena Ramoreboli says patience will be key against Orlando Pirates

It’s no surprise, Hunt bemoaned the lack of experienced players in his team last season and he says the juniors could benefit from a stronger platform.

''You want my honest opinion, I think what we need to have is a second team in the first division. Like they do in Portugal. So you got SuperSport B playing in the first division. So what we used to do in my time, there used to be reserved teams, and we would play in the amateur league but it was a top league, if you didn't play on a Saturday you would play on a Friday, it was a reserve team but it was much better and stronger. The Diski teams should make it under-18, or don't have over 20s. You'd see players play there for over four years, it's crazy,'' said Hunt.

Hunt also feels the Diski Challenge lacks a competitive edge.

''I think we should have teams in the first Division, just like that do in Portugal but you need to play for something,'' added Hunt

The coach used attacker Lucky Muthewi as an example, the 17-year-old is back with the Diski team after playing topflight football last season.

''Well, I felt he went from GDL into the first team he didn't Diski, we had to use him last year and he was a different kind of striker. He did well for us last year, he is playing in Diski  but he is still with the senior team. I mean we can't have six under-19 strikers, we have to prioritise there and there,'' he expressed.

Meanwhile, SuperSport hope to return to winning ways this evening when they host Royal AM after losing their opening Betway Premiership clash against champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday.