New Champions Crowned as Antalyaspor JPM CT and RV United Shine at Engen Knockout Challenge

The Engen Knockout Challenge once again proved why it is known as “Where Diski Legends Start,” with two new champions emerging in Cape Town after a dramatic conclusion to this year’s tournament at Erica Park in Belhar.

Antalyaspor JPM CT claimed their maiden Boys’ Under-18 title, while RV United ended Cape Town Roses’ four-year reign to lift the Girls’ Under-20 trophy, ensuring the 2026 edition will be remembered for the rise of new champions.

The finals were played on Sunday, 26 July, after the original showpiece was postponed by four weeks because of severe weather conditions that made it unsafe for players, officials and spectators.

Antalyaspor Make History

The Boys’ Under-18 final produced a thrilling contest as Antalyaspor JPM CT and Ubuntu Football Academy battled to a 1-1 draw after regulation time.

With neither side able to find a winner, the title was decided from the penalty spot, where Antalyaspor held their nerve to secure a dramatic 5-4 shootout victory and capture their first-ever Engen Knockout Challenge crown.

Coached by Gareth Ncaca, Antalyaspor enjoyed an impressive run throughout the tournament. They booked their place in the final with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cape Town City in the semi-finals, while Ubuntu edged SAFA Cape Town Academy in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

RV United Finally Get Their Revenge

The Girls’ Under-20 competition delivered an equally compelling storyline.

After falling short against Cape Town Roses in last year’s final, RV United returned determined to rewrite history—and they did exactly that.

The two sides could not be separated after 90 minutes, with the final ending 0-0 before RV United triumphed in the ensuing penalty shootout to end Cape Town Roses’ remarkable four-year dominance of the competition.

RV United had booked their place in the final with an impressive victory over Ubuntu Football Academy, while Cape Town Roses defeated Dangerous Heroes 2-0 to set up a repeat of the 2025 decider.

This time, however, RV United celebrated as new provincial champions.

Eyes on the Champ of Champs

Their triumphs mean both Antalyaspor JPM CT and RV United will now represent Cape Town at the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs, where South Africa’s top provincial winners will battle for national honours later this year.

Final Standings

Boys’ Under-18

• Champions: Antalyaspor JPM CT
• Runners-up: Ubuntu Football Academy
• Third Place: Cape Town City FC
• Fourth Place: SAFA Cape Town Academy

Girls’ Under-20

• Champions: RV United
• Runners-up: Cape Town Roses
• Third Place: Dangerous Heroes
• Fourth Place: Ubuntu Football Academy

Individual Award Winners

Boys

• Referee of the Tournament: Simankele Mnyanda
• Goalkeeper: Ayaan Jacobs (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
• Defender: Luke Hendricks (Ubuntu Football Academy)
• Midfielder: Anovuyo Mgoqi (Cape Town City FC)
• Striker: Jordan Mach (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
• Top Goalscorers: Jordan Mach, Thurston Phillips and Lwandle Madingi (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
• Fair Play Team: D6
• Coach of the Tournament: Gareth Ncaca (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
• Player of the Tournament: Jordan Mach (Antalyaspor JPM CT)

Girls

• Goalkeeper: Bilqees Salie (RV United)
• Defender: Hajiera Sulayman (Ubuntu Football Academy)
• Striker: Lisakhanya Situlweni (Cape Town Roses)
• Top Goalscorers: Emihle Mazana and Lisakhanya Situlweni (Cape Town Roses)
• Fair Play Team: Hout Bay Ladies
• Coach of the Tournament: Vuyokazi Kayi (RV United)
• Player of the Tournament: Bilqees Salie (RV United)

With another successful edition completed, the Engen Knockout Challenge once again showcased the outstanding depth of youth football talent in South Africa. As Antalyaspor JPM CT and RV United prepare for the Engen Champ of Champs, they will carry the hopes of Cape Town while continuing the journey on a platform that has launched the careers of many of the country’s football stars.