Gauteng Champions at Engen Knockout Challenge

The 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng delivered another thrilling showcase of South Africa’s brightest young football talent, with Kaizer Chiefs lifting the Boys’ Under-18 title and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies claiming the Girls’ Under-20 crown after three action-packed days at Wits Marks Park Stadium.

Living up to this year’s tournament theme, “Where Diski Legends Start,” the competition once again highlighted why the Engen Knockout Challenge remains one of South Africa’s premier youth football development platforms, attracting scouts, coaches and football enthusiasts eager to witness the country’s future stars.

Amakhosi Rule Gauteng

Kaizer Chiefs produced a dominant performance in the Boys’ Under-18 final, defeating Kathorus Hyper Academy 2-0 to be crowned Gauteng champions.

The victory capped an impressive tournament for David Mathebula’s young side, who displayed resilience and quality throughout the competition.

Chiefs booked their place in the final after edging Randburg AFC 3-1 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw in the semi-finals.

Kathorus Hyper Academy also needed a penalty shootout to reach the decider, overcoming Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 after the teams failed to score in regulation time.

Sundowns Ladies Continue Their Dominance

The Girls’ Under-20 final saw Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies underline their status as one of the country’s strongest development teams with a clinical 2-0 victory over the University of Johannesburg.

Masandawana were among the standout performers throughout the tournament and deservedly lifted the provincial title after another disciplined display in the final.

Their journey to the championship included a hard-fought semi-final victory over Kaizer Chiefs Ladies, while UJ secured their place in the final by eliminating Mamelodi XI Stars.

Road to the Engen Champ of Champs

By winning their respective provincial titles, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have secured qualification for the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs, where South Africa’s top regional champions will compete later this year for national honours.

The Gauteng tournament once again reinforced the importance of the Engen Knockout Challenge as a pathway to professional football, with several outstanding individual performances catching the attention of talent scouts.

Tournament Winners

Boys’ Under-18

• Champions: Kaizer Chiefs FC
• Runners-up: Kathorus Hyper Academy
• Third Place: Mamelodi Sundowns FC
• Fourth Place: Randburg AFC

Girls’ Under-20

• Champions: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
• Runners-up: University of Johannesburg
• Third Place: Kaizer Chiefs Ladies
• Fourth Place: Mamelodi XI Stars

Individual Award Winners

Boys

• Referee of the Tournament: Amukelisiwe Dunn
• Goalkeeper: Keabetswe Morake (Kaizer Chiefs)
• Defender: Tashiel Rygunana (Kaizer Chiefs)
• Midfielder: Moeketsi Monese (Kathorus Hyper Academy)
• Striker: Tsheamo Mosana (Kaizer Chiefs)
• Top Goalscorer: Will Hemson (Orlando Pirates)
• Fair Play Team: Kathorus Hyper Academy
• Coach of the Tournament: Bongani Mtshali (Kathorus Hyper Academy)
• Player of the Tournament: Tashiel Rygunana (Kaizer Chiefs)

Girls

• Goalkeeper: Skula Coutimho (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
• Defender: Portia Masilela (University of Johannesburg)
• Midfielder: Jabulile Mbatha (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
• Striker: Lumka Qhekeka (Kaizer Chiefs Ladies)
• Top Goalscorer: Lumka Qhekeka (Kaizer Chiefs Ladies)
• Fair Play Team: Mamelodi XI Stars
• Coach of the Tournament: Rhoda Mulaudzi (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
• Player of the Tournament: Jabulile Mbatha (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)

With another successful Gauteng edition concluded, the focus now shifts to the Engen Champ of Champs, where the country’s finest young footballers will battle for national supremacy and continue their journey towards becoming South Africa’s next generation of football stars