Durban Engen Knockout Challenge off to a fiery start
The 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge playoffs kicked off at Kloof High School on Thursday, with u18 boys’ and u20 girls’ teams from across KwaZulu-Natal competing in the provincial leg of one of South Africa’s top youth football tournaments.
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The first day of competitive group stage matches saw some strong performances from teams aiming to make it through to the knockout rounds.
The tournament’s ambassador, Brighton Mhlongo, the former Orlando Pirates‘ and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, encouraged players during the opening ceremony to make the most of their opportunity.
“This tournament is a mirror,” he said. “It reflects your mindset, your hunger, your character. Play with purpose. Play like it’s your moment, because it is.”
In the girls’ division, the defending champions, Durban Ladies, made a solid start, winning both of their matches to finish top of Group A, thus booking their place in the quarterfinals. They were joined by Toti Ladies, who secured their spot after a narrow 1–0 win over Sunflower.
In Group B, Babhamba finished at the top of the group with two wins, while Mphehli All Stars earned second place, thanks to a strong 7–1 victory over Umlazi Young Lions, which also confirmed their place in the knockout stage of the competition.
Adams Academy and Ezemvelo also gave good accounts of themselves with competitive performances across the day.
In the boys’ division, AmaZulu FC advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing level with Junior Stars at the top of Group A, with first place being decided by a coin toss.
Highlander Academy, Mophela Development, and Inanda XL also moved on to the next round putting in strong shifts in their respective group matches.
The tournament continues with the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final on Friday.
A new boys’ champion will be crowned, while the Durban Ladies continue their quest to defend the title.
RESULTS
Women
Durban Ladies 1-0 Sunflower
Umlazi Young Lions 1-7 Mphehli All Stars
Adams Academy 2-0 Senzokuhle
Brazil Academy 5-0 Kwamashu Ladies
Junior Stars 2-1 Clermont Eagles
Durban Ladies 3-1 Toti Ladies
Highlanders 2-0 Mandeni Celtics
Midlands Academy 0-0 Kusekhaya Academy
South Coast United 1-1 Mophela Development
Umlazi Young Lions 0-4 Babhambe
Adams Academy 0-1 Westville Ladies
Brazil Academy 0-5 Ezemvelo
Men
Junior Stars 2-2 Amazulu FC
Highlanders 2-0 Ethekwini City Styles
Midlands Academy 1-1 Inanda XI
South Coast United 0-2 KZN Academy
Sunflower 0-2 Toti Ladies
Mphehleli All Stars 0-1 Babhambe
Senzokuhle 4-0 Westville Ladies
Kwamashu Ladies 0-9 Ezemvelo
Clermont Eagles 1-2 Amazulu FC
Mandeni Celtics 2-4 Ethekwini City Styles
Kusekhaya Academy 2-2 Inanda XI
Mophela 1-0 KZN Academy
QUARTERFINAL FIXTURES
Women
Durban Ladies vs Brazil Academy
Babhambe vs Adams Academy
Senzokuhle Ladies vs Mphehli All Stars
Ezemvelo vs Toti Ladies
Men
Amazulu vs KZN Academy
Highlanders vs Kusekhaya
Inanda XI vs Ethekwini City Styles
Mophela Development vs Junior Stars
