Ebhayi FC, Kaizer Chiefs drawn in same Engen Champ of Champs group
The battle lines have officially been drawn after Engen, in partnership with the Johannesburg Football Association, conducted the official draw for the 2024 Engen Champ of Champs on Wednesday.
The Marks Park Sports Complex in Johannesburg will once again host the much-anticipated finals, which will be played from 27-30 September
New winners are guaranteed because the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns (Boys u18) and the University of Johannesburg (Girls u20) were eliminated during the Engen Knockout Challenge in July.
Exciting competition is expected with teams showing great improvement during the provincial knockouts, which were attended by Engen Knockout Challenge ambassadors, Brighton Mhlongo, Thabo Senong, and Akhona Makalima.
Wednesday’s draw for the three-day event threw up some mouth-watering ties, with Kaizer Chiefs headlining an interesting Group A, which also includes Ebhayi FC, who swept all the age group titles in the Eastern Cape League finals this past weekend.
In the girls’ section, Mamelodi Sundowns, drawn in Group A, stand out as one of the favourites and they’ll be the pick of many to go all the way.
Sharing his thoughts on the draw, Kaizer Chiefs’ Youth Coach and former player, David Mathebula said: “The team is looking forward to the tournament. This is a title we once lifted and, with home-ground advantage and a strong-willed team, we are confident of putting up a good showing that will hopefully produce the desired results.”
Also present at the draw was Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies’ coach, Andisiwe Mgcoyi who said, “Winning this tournament has given our players great confidence. The team knows the importance of winning such a tournament but we know that it will not be easy.
“We are competing against quality teams from across the country, so we cannot take anything for granted,” Mgcoyi warned.
Engen Champ of Champs Draw
Boys
GROUP A: Virginia Sports Academy, Ebhayi FC, Thlolhokwe FC, Kaizer Chiefs FC, Shayamoya FC
GROUP B: Ebenezer FC, Stellenbosch FC, Sasol Juventus, Galeshewe Stars FC
Girls
GROUP A: Storm Ladies FC, Sisters FC, Ixias Ladies FC, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, Diamond FC.
GROUP B: Nav Galaxy FC, Thames Ladies FC, Durban Ladies, Cape Town Roses.
