Young goalkeepers impress at Engen Knockout Challenge Cape Town
Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo, has expressed his excitement at the level of goalkeeping talent displayed on Friday, the opening day of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Cape Town leg.
Now serving as a tournament ambassador, Mhlongo has been closely following the growth of young players throughout the competition and says Cape Town’s crop of goalkeepers shows real promise.
“We always expect strong performances from outfield players, but today I was really pleased by the maturity and composure of the goalkeepers,” said Mhlongo.
“You can see they’ve put in the work. They’re not just stopping shots. They’re organising defences, reading the game, and making key decisions under pressure.”
Mhlongo also commended Engen for creating a platform that allows every position on the field to shine, including the often-overlooked role of goalkeeper.
“Goalkeepers often don’t get the same attention as goal-scorers, but Engen has created a platform where even the keepers can step into the spotlight. Today, we saw some of them take ownership of their role and show real leadership. That kind of confidence at this age is rare and it’s encouraging.”
He added that Cape Town, already known for producing technically gifted footballers, is starting to show real strength in goalkeeping, too.
“Cape Town has always been one of our strongest football regions. It’s known for developing top players, and now we’re seeing that same standard applies to goalkeepers. That balance is exactly what South African football needs.” he reckoned.
As a former goalkeeper, Mhlongo was excited by what he saw: “Some of these boys brought back memories – hungry, fearless, and determined to prove themselves. That kind of mindset, paired with the exposure this tournament gives them, is what helps shape future professionals.”
RESULTS
Ladies’ Results
Group A
Cape Town Roses 5-0 Stellenbosch FC
Magic Ladies 0-2 Cape Town Roses
Hout Bay United 3-3 Magic Ladies
Stellenbosch FC 5-0 Hout Bay United FC
Group B
Salt River Blackpool 4-1 Ikamva Ladies
Ikamva Ladies 0-2 CPUT Ladies
CPUT Ladies 0-1 Hotspurs Ladies
Hotspurs Ladies 0-2 Salt River Blackpool
Group C
Real Brazilians 0-2 RV United
RV United 5-0 Ubuntu Football
Norway Park Ladies 0-1 Real Brazilians
Ubuntu Football 4-0 Norway Park Ladies
Group D
Goal Hunters FC 0-1 Rygate Ladies
Stanturf United 0-2 Dangerous Heroes
Dangerous Heroes 3-0 Goal Hunters FC
Rygate Ladies 1-0 Stanturf United
Boys’ Results
Cape Town City 1-0 Bellstar United
Masroosfontein FC 1-1 Valhalla United
Juventus AFC 0-1 Everton
Cape Town Spurs 3-0 Rock A Fellas FC
