Panorama, University of Johannesburg are Engen Gauteng champs
In front of a jam-packed crowd, Panorama FC came from behind to stun Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 and lift the Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng trophy at Marks Park on the weekend.
It was an unexpected outcome, but a huge achievement for Panorama’s u18s, who succeed the team they beat in the final, Chiefs, as the champion of the region.
In 2024, the Amakhosi beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in the title decider.
Panorama’s exploits were richly rewarded when the individual awards were announced. Tiago Khan was named the Player and the Defender of the Tournament. The Striker of the Tournament went to Neo Maswabi, and, unsurprisingly, considering his team’s stunning march to the title, Luyanda Gcabashe received the Coach of the Tournament Award.
There was also a new champion crowned in the women’s u20 competition, with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) succeeding Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies as the Gauteng champions.
In a tight final, UJ edged out JVW 1-0. It was a tough task getting past the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Casey Gordon, but all that was needed was one goal and UJ got it.
They also received most of the individual awards. Adrielle Mibe was named the Player of the Tournament and the Midfielder of the Tournament, while Gugu Dhlamini picked up the Striker of the Tournament Award.
UJ coach Delisile Mbatha received the Coach of the Tournament award.
The Fair Play Awards went to the University of Pretoria (Tuks) in the boys’ section and Future Stars Ladies in the girls’ competition.
Panorama and UJ will join the KwaZulu-Natal Engen Knockout Challenge winners, Junior Stars and Durban Ladies, and the Western Cape’s Cape Town City and Cape Town Roses at the Engen Champ of Champs, which will be played in Pretoria from 3-5 October.
New champions will be crowned in both the boys’ and girls’ competition because Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies lifted the Champs of Champs titles in 2024.
The Eastern Cape Engen Knockout Challenge will be played on 26 and 27 July.
AWARDS
Boys
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Mihailo Mijatovic (Joburg City)
Defender of the Tournament: Tiago Kahn (Panorama FC)
Midfielder of the Tournament: Andile Mtsweni (Kaizer Chiefs)
Striker of the Tournament: Neo Maswabi (Panorama FC)
Coach of the Tournament: Luyanda Gcabashe (Panorama FC)
Player of the Tournament: Tiago Kahn (Panorama FC)
Fair Play team of the Tournament: (University of Pretoria)
Top goal scorer: Lucky Mathewi (SuperSport United), Mabutho Nkosi (School of Excellence), Kamohelo Matreletse (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkululeko Soldaat (Wits University), Diego Da Silva (University of Pretoria), Jozela Nceba (Remember Elite Sport Academy), Sibusiso Tolomane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Neo Maswabi (Panorama FC).
Girls
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Casey Gordon (JVW)
Defender of the Tournament: Naylene Morgau (SAFA Academy)
Midfielder of the Tournament: Adrielle Mibe (UJ)
Top goal scorer: Hlalala Mkhari (SAFA Academy)
Striker of the Tournament: Gugu Dhlamini (UJ)
Coach of the Tournament: Delisile Mbatha (UJ)
Player of the Tournament: Adrielle Mibe (UJ)
Fair Play team of the Tournament: Future Stars Ladies
