Engen Knockout Heads To Durban
Tournament Ambassador, Brighton Mhlongo with representatives of the Boys teams during the 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge KwaZulu Natal Media Draw at Garden Court Marine Parade Hotel in Durban on 8 July 2026 © Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
The countdown to the 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge eThekwini edition has officially begun following Wednesday’s tournament draw in Durban, setting the stage for another weekend of exciting youth football.
The prestigious competition will take place at King’s Park Grounds from 11 to 12 July, where 24 of KwaZulu-Natal’s best youth teams will compete for regional glory and a coveted place at the Engen Champ of Champs national finals later this year.
The official draw brought together football administrators, club representatives and key stakeholders, including Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager Tsholo Tiro, SAFA eThekwini President Mazwi Mkhize and former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, who serves as the tournament’s ambassador.
Where Diski Legends Begin
This year’s tournament carries the inspiring theme “Where Diski Legends Start”, highlighting the Engen Knockout Challenge’s long-standing reputation as one of South Africa’s premier youth football development competitions.
Now in its 24th edition, the tournament has helped launch the careers of numerous professional footballers, giving talented youngsters the opportunity to impress scouts, coaches and professional clubs.
One of the latest success stories is Bafana Bafana and Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who first caught the attention of talent scouts during the 2023 Engen Knockout Challenge before earning his breakthrough into professional football.
Tournament ambassador Brighton Mhlongo believes the competition remains one of the country’s most important talent identification platforms.
“Every professional footballer starts somewhere, and for many of South Africa’s top players, that journey began at the Engen Knockout Challenge,” said Mhlongo.
“This tournament gives young players the opportunity to compete against the best, showcase their talent in front of scouts and coaches, and possibly take the first step towards a professional career. The next Mbekezeli Mbokazi could be playing here this weekend.”
Road to the Engen Champ of Champs
The boys’ and girls’ competitions will each feature 12 teams battling through the group stages before the knockout rounds, with only the champions earning qualification for the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs tournament, where South Africa’s top regional winners will compete for national honours.
The opening matches kick off at 09:00 on Saturday, with two days of intense football expected as the province’s brightest young talents fight for the chance to continue their journey.
2026 Engen Knockout Challenge eThekwini Draw
Boys
Group A
- Kusekhaya FC
- Senzokuhle FC
- Empire United FC
Group B
- AmaZulu FC
- Umkhanyakude FC
- Future Stars FC
Group C
- Durban City FC
- eThekwini FC
- Trouble Tigers FC
Group D
- KZN Academy FC
- Midlands FC
- Rovers United FC
Girls
Group A
- Durban Ladies
- TB Stars FC
- Heroes FC
Group B
- Adams City FC
- Sharks Academy FC
- KwaMashu Sisters FC
Group C
- Sunflower FC
- DUT FC
- Ezemvelo FC
Group D
- Adams Academy FC
- Lindelani FC
- Toti Ladies FC
With another generation of aspiring footballers ready to showcase their talent, the 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge promises another memorable chapter in South Africa’s youth football story as future stars look to take the next step towards professional football.
