Chiefs and Sundowns Ladies defend Engen Knockout Challenge titles
Wits Sturrock Park, in Johannesburg, hosted the draw for the Gauteng leg of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge on Tuesday.
from 18-20 July, Gauteng’s top u18 male and u20 female teams will compete for the provincial title and a place in the Engen Champ of Champs, which takes place from 3-5 October at the High-Performance Centre, in Pretoria.
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Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns return as defending champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively and will face stiff challenges as they eye successful defences of their titles.
At the draw, Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager Tsholo Tiro emphasised the importance of the tournament for youth development in the province and the country at large.
“The Engen Knockout Challenge continues to be a platform that allows us to make a real difference in the lives of young people,” Tiro said. “Our goal is to support development both on and off the field by giving young players, coaches, referees, and administrators the chance to grow.
“This year’s theme, ‘It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends’, is a call to young people to believe in themselves and to capitalise on the opportunity that the tournament provides.
“We’ve seen many alumni of the tournament go on to become legends of the game, and so this year we encourage the aspiring football stars to write their own stories in the rich tapestry of the Engen Knockout Challenge.
“Beyond the playing field, we’re also proud to provide a platform for our inaugural 2024 Sportscaster, Princess Mobeng, to continue to learn and grow in sports journalism.
“Our strategic partnership with Qrate continues from strength to strength, helping educate and empower young women beyond the football field.”
FIFA Talent Coach and tournament ambassador Thabo Senong praised the tournament’s high standard of football, saying: “This year’s tournament has shown just how much talent there is in South African youth football. The level has been high across all provinces.
“What I appreciate most is the theme ‘It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends’. It’s not just a message. It’s something the players are really taking to heart. You can see it in how they play with purpose and belief.”
The Gauteng playoffs will be hosted at the Wits Marks Park Sports Ground.
Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng Draw Outcome
Girls’ Draw
Group A: Randburg FC, SAFA Academy, FC Raycon, Joburg United Ladies.
Group B: Mito Stars Ladies, Kempton Park Ladies, Wits University, JVW.
Group C: University of Johannesburg, Blue Birds Ladies, Mamelodi Sundowns, University of Pretoria.
Group D: Diepkloof Ladies, Future Stars, Thembalethu FC, Panorama Ladies.
Boys’ Draw
Group A: Appa, TS Galaxy, Kaizer Chiefs, Joburg City.
Group B: Florida Albion, Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Panorama FC.
Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns, SAFA Transnet School of Excellence, Randburg AFC, Kathorus Hyper Academy.
Group D: Wits University, Highlands Park, University of Pretoria, Remember Elite Sport Academy.
