Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Clinch Engen Knockout Challenge Titles

The Engen Knockout Challenge in Gauteng reminded everyone that it’s the birthplace of SA football stars, Where Diski Legends Start, with Kaizer Chiefs FC claiming the boys’ Under-18 title and Mamelodi Sundowns FC claiming the ladies’ Under-20 title making them the champions of the province after three exciting days of youth football at Wits Marks Park Stadium.

Day three saw Johannesburg become a massive football hub for fans and legends alike. While the vibrant crowd was a spectacle, the undeniable talent on the pitch stole the show with standout displays from the next generation gripping both scouts and fans.

David Mathebula’s side clinched the boys’ Under-18 title after a convincing 2-0 victory over Kathorus Hyper Academy in the final, rounding off an impressive and entertaining campaign.

On their road to the final, Amakhosi overcame Randburg AFC 3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 stalemate in the semifinals, while Kathorus Academy squeezed past Mamelodi Sundowns FC 3–2 in another shootout after 90 minutes ended goalless.

On the ladies’ side, Mamelodi Sundowns FC capped off an impressive campaign by defeating the University of Johannesburg 2–0 to claim the girls’ under-20 title. The two finalists were among the standout teams throughout the competition.

To book their spots in the final, Masandawana narrowly defeated Kaizer Chiefs Ladies in the semifinals, while UJ advanced after knocking out Mamelodi 11 Stars.

With their triumphs, Kaizer Chiefs FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC have booked their places in the Engen Champ of Champs tournament, set to take place in Johannesburg later this year.

Engen Knockout Challenge Johannesburg Winners:

• Boys Winners                                      Kaizer Chiefs FC
• Boys Runners Up                               Kathorus Hyper Academy
• Boys Third place                                Mamelodi Sundowns FC
• Boys Fourth place                             Randburg AFC

• Girls Winners                                      Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
• Girls Runners-up                               University of Johannesburg
• Girls Third place                                Kaizer Chiefs Ladies
• Girls Fourth place                             Mamelodi XI Stars

Individual Awards (Boys)

• Referee of the tournament                          Amukelisiwe Dunn
• Goalkeeper of the tournament                 Keabetswe Morake (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Defender of the tournament                       Tashiel Rygunana (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Midfielder of the tournament                     Moeketsi Monese (Kathorus Hyper Academy)
• Striker of the tournament                              Tsheamo Mosana (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Top Goalscorer of the tournament         Will Hemson (Orlando Pirate FC)
• Fairplay team of the tournament             Kathorus Hyper Academy
• Coach of the tournament                            Bongani Mtshali (Kathorus Hyper Academy
• Player of the tournament                             Tashiel Rygunana (Kaizer Chiefs FC)

Individual Awards (Girls)

• Goalkeeper of the tournament                 Skula Coutimho (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
• Defender of the tournament                      Portia Masilela (University of Johannesburg)
• Midfielder of the tournament                     Jabulile Mbatha (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
• Striker of the tournament                            Lumka Qhekeka (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Top Goalscorer of the tournament         Lumka Qhekeka (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
• Fairplay team of the tournament             Mamelodi XI Stars
• Coach of the tournament                            Rhoda Mulaudzi (Mamelodi Sundown Ladies)
• Player of the tournament                             Jabulile Mbatha (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)