City Lads and Chippa United crowned Eastern Cape Engen champions
Chippa United and City Lads FC were crowned the champions of the Eastern Cape Engen Knockout Challenge after securing victories in their respective finals in the boys’ and ladies’ divisions at Dale College, in Qonce, on Sunday.
Both teams, the Chilli Boys and the City Lads FC, will represent the province, the Home of the Legends, at the national Engen Champs of Champs in October.
There, the winners from nine provinces will compete for the title of the best in South Africa.
Boys’ Competition
In the boys’ tournament, an u18 competition, the eventual champions, Chippa United, were extended by Highbury, but a narrow 1-0 win put them through to the semi-finals.
With a place in the final on the line, they overcame a determined and highly motivated Maria Louw High School, winning 2-0. Maria Louw had reached the semis after a 2-0 defeat of Real Aces.
In other quarterfinal matches, United Professionals shared a goalless draw with Joza Stars. That sent their match to a penalty shootout and United Professionals advanced, winning 4-1 from the spot.
Red Lions handed Malcomess SS a 2-0 loss to move on to the semi-finals, where they faced United Professionals. After a hard-fought contest, Red Lions booked their ticket to the final with a 1-0 win.
In the title game, it was Chippa United, who were absent in 2024, who came out on top, winning 2-0.
Ladies’ Competition
In the ladies’ quarterfinals – the teams are u20 outfits – City Lads overpowered Blackpool 10-3.
Nav Galaxy also delivered an impressive performance, winning 3-0 against Bay Stars, and Ebhayi matched that result in a win over Phoenix Birds.
There were no goals in regulation time between Walter Sisulu University Buffalo City Campus (WSU BCC) and Caledonian, but WSU BCC advanced 5-4 on penalties.
In the semifinals, City Lads maintained their dominant form, cruising to a 6-0 win over WSU BCC, while Nav Galaxy secured a 2-0 win against Ebhayi to reach the final.
City Lads FC ‘s free scoring ways were halted by the defending champions, Nav Galaxy Ladies, in the title decider, but they, nonetheless, scored once, which was enough to lift the title that they had previously won in 2023.
It was a tactical battle from beginning to end, with City Lads’ discipline and determination making the crucial difference.
Results
Boys’ Quarterfinals
Chippa United 1-0 Highbury
Red Lions 2-0 Malcomess SS
Maria Louw 2-0 Real Aces
United Professionals (4) 0-0 (1) Joza Stars
Boys’ Semifinals
Chippa United 1-0 Maria Louw
Red Lions 1-0 United Professionals
Final
Chippa United 2-0 Red Lions
Ladies’ Quarterfinals
City Lads 10-3 Blackpool
Nav Galaxy 3-0 Bay Stars
WSU BCC (5) 0-0 (4) Caledonian
Ebhayi 3-0 Phoenix Birds
Ladies’ Semifinals
City Lads 6-0 WSU BCC
Nav Galaxy 2-0 Ebhayi
Final
City Lads 1-0 Nav Galaxy
Engen Knockout Individual Awards
Boys
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Andiphile Ngoqo – UTD Professionals
Defender of the Tournament: Athabile Frans – Maria Louw
Midfielder of the Tournament: Josh Drachoender – Chippa United
Top Goalscorer: Qhamani Gubevu – Chippa United
Striker of the Tournament: Zukanye Mdila – Red Lions
Coach of the Tournament: Masexole Mathyu – Red Lions
Player of the Tournament: Josh Drachoender – Red Lions
Fairplay Team of the Tournament: Real Aces
Referee of the Tournament – Zizipho Valashya
Ladies
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Mlibokazi Sikhusa – WSU
Defender of the Tournament: Sikelelioa Mhlanga – City Lads
Midfielder of the Tournament: Agcobile Manengela – City Lads
Top Goalscorer: Carlyn Ellie – Caledonian FC
Striker of the Tournament: Endinako Njengele – Nav Galaxy Ladies
Coach of the Tournament: Lumka Mjana – City Lads
Player of the Tournament: Sikelelioa Mhlanga – City Lads
Fair play Team of the Tournament: Bay Stars Ladies
