Joburg City, Downs’ Ladies star at Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng
The 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg kicked off at Wits Marks Park Sports Ground on Friday, with top u18 boys’ and u20 girls’ teams plotting a path towards provincial glory and a place in the Engen Champ of Champs.
In the boys’ u18 division, coach Thato Mosala‘s Joburg City enjoyed an impressive opening day, finishing it unbeaten after pulling off the biggest upset thus far, a 1-0 victory over coach David Mathebula‘s Kaizer Chiefs.
SuperSport United, under the guidance of coach Tumelo Ndaba, has endured a horrid month in the Gauteng Development League, but they put together a successful opening day, scoring 1-0 victories over Orlando Pirates and Florida Albion FC to top Group B.
In the Ladies’ division, Diepkloof Ladies were handed a 1-3 defeat by Panorama Ladies, but they bounced back with a 10-0 thrashing of Thembalethu Ladies.
The defending champion, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, made a clean start to their title defence, beating Blue Birds Ladies 1-0 before handing the University of Pretoria a 4-1 defeat.
Among those in attendance was French-based Bafana Bafana midfielder and Engen Knockout Challenge graduate Lebogang Phiri, who spent the day engaging with players, watching matches, and reflecting on the impact of the tournament.
“This is not just another youth tournament, I don’t think people always realise the gravity of it,” said Phiri.
“Tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge are where you get the next top talents and future big-name players. It’s where players learn to handle pressure, build big-match temperament, and get exposed to the type of support and attention that prepares them for the next level.
“If a young player approaches this platform with the right mindset, it can change their career.
“The pressure is high, and the expectations are real, and because of that, players learn respect, discipline, and great sportsmanship. These are qualities you don’t always get from just training or league matches. This kind of environment shapes you in every way as a footballer.”
As a former participant in the Engen Knockout Challenge before he turned professional, Phiri’s presence at the tournament reinforced the 2025 theme “It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends”, which encourages current players to seize the opportunity in front of them.
With a strong turnout of supporters, tightly contested matches, and growing excitement on the ground, the opening day set the tone for a thrilling weekend ahead.
The Gauteng leg continues through to Sunday, when the provincial champions will be crowned and earn themselves the honour of representing the province at the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs in October.
RESULTS AND STANDINGS
BOYS
Group A Standings
1. Joburg City
2. Kaizer Chiefs
3. TS Galaxy
4. Augusto Palacious Apprentice Academy
TS Galaxy 0-2 Kaizer Chiefs
Augusto Palacious Apprentice Academy 0-0 Joburg City
TS Galaxy 1-0 Augusto Palacious Apprentice Academy
Joburg City 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Group B Standings
1. SuperSport United
2. Panorama FC
3. Orlando Pirates
4. Florida Albion FC
Orlando Pirates 0-1 SuperSport United
Florida Albion FC 0-1 Panorama FC
SuperSport United 1-0 Florida Albion FC
Panorama FC 1-1 Orlando Pirates FC
Group C Standings
1. Mamelodi Sundowns
2. Randburg AFC
3. Kathorus Hyper Academy
4. SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence
SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence 1-2 Kathorus Hyper Academy
Randburg AFC 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
SAFA/Transnet School of Excellence 0-2 Randburg AFC
Kathorus Hyper Academy 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
Group D Standings
1. Highlands Park
2. Wits University
3. Remember Elite Sport Academy
4. Tuks
Tuks 0-0 Remember Elite Sport Academy
Wits University 1-1 Highlands Park
LADIES
Group A Standings
1. SAFA Academy
2. FC Raycon
3. Randburg AFC
4. Joburg United Eagles
SAFA Academy 8-0 Joburg United Eagles
Randburg AFC 2-0 FC Raycon
SAFA Academy 5-0 Randburg AFC
Joburg United Eagles 0-3 FC Raycon
Group B Standings
1. JVW
2. Wits University
3. Mito Stars Ladies
4. Kempton Park Ladies
Mito Stars Ladies 1-2 Wits University
Kempton Park Ladies 0-3 JVW
Mito Stars Ladies 1-1 Kempton Park Ladies
Group C Standings
1. University of Johannesburg
2. Mamelodi Sundowns
3. Blue Birds Ladies
4. University of Pretoria
University of Johannesburg 4-0 University of Pretoria
Blue Birds Ladies 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns
University of Pretoria 1-4 Mamelodi Sundowns
Blue Birds Ladies 0-3 University of Johannesburg
Group D Standings
1. Future Stars Ladies
2. Diepkloof Ladies
3. Panorama FC
4. Thembalethu Ladies
Diepkloof Ladies 1-3 Panorama FC
Future Stars Ladies 7-0 Thembalethu Ladies
Thembalethu Ladies 0-10 Diepkloof Ladies
Panorama FC 0-1 Future Stars Ladies
