Stellenbosch knocked out of Engen Knockout Challenge
Day two of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Cape Town leg, at Erica Sports Grounds, delivered thrilling quarterfinals, with Cape Town Roses continuing their defence of the women’s u20 title, while Valhalla United ended Stellenbosch FC’s long-standing dominance in the boys’ u18 division.
Cape Town Roses cruised into the semi-finals after a commanding 5–1 win over RV United.
The defending champions topped their group, and they carried that momentum into the quarterfinals with another structured and confident performance.
In the boys’ division, Valhalla United edged out Stellenbosch FC 1–0 in a tightly contested clash.
The result was significant, not only did it eliminate the two-time champions, but it also marked the first time that Stellenbosch FC had conceded a goal in the Engen Knockout Challenge in three years.
Valhalla’s rise also underscored the vital role that platforms like the Engen Knockout Challenge play in identifying and developing emerging football talent.
Valhalla had secured second place in their group with a 2–0 win over City Town, which set up their quarterfinal clash with Stellenbosch. Their journey to the semi-finals provided further proof of the depth and competitiveness coming through Cape Town’s grassroots system.
While Stellenbosch FC bowed out of the competition, their defensive record and consistency across multiple editions of the Engen Knockout Challenge have set a high bar. They’ll, no doubt, be back among the title contenders in 2026.
Women’s quarterfinal results
Cape Town Roses 5-1 Rygate Ladies
Salt River Blackpool 1-0 Ubuntu Football
RV United 3-1 CPUT Ladies
Dangerous Heroes 3-0 Magic Ladies
Boys’ quarterfinal results
Cape Town City 2-1 Norway Parks
SAFA Cape Town Academy 1-0 Cape Town Spurs
Valhalla United 1-0 Stellenbosch
Eagles Performance United 1-0 Everton
