2026 Engen Champ of Champs Draw Confirmed as Kaizer Chiefs Return to Defend Title
during the 2026 Engen Knockout Champs Of Champs Draw at TUKS HPC in Pretoria on 29 September 2026 ©Alche Greeff/BackpagePix
The stage is set for the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs, with the tournament draw confirming a packed three-day programme featuring some of South Africa’s promising young football talent.
The draw was held at the University of Pretoria’s High-Performance Centre (HPC) on Tuesday, 29 September, ahead of the tournament, which runs from 2 to 4 October.
The event also saw the unveiling of a new Engen Champ of Champs trophy, which will be awarded to the winners of both the Boys’ Under-18 and Girls’ Under-20 competitions on Sunday.
Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs will return to the Boys’ Under-18 competition as they look to retain their title, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will headline the Girls’ Under-20 field.
This year’s tournament carries the theme “Where Diski Legends Start”, highlighting the competition’s broader role in developing young players and creating opportunities for coaches, referees and aspiring football administrators.
Development Beyond the Pitch
The tournament programme will begin with the return of the popular Engen Champ of Champs workshops on 1 October at the TUKS HPC.
Tournament ambassadors Thabo Senong, Brighton Mhlongo and Candice Chirwa will lead the sessions, giving players and coaches an opportunity to learn from experienced figures in the game ahead of the competition.
Engen Brand Sponsorship Manager Tsholo Tiro said the tournament continues to place player development alongside competition.
“The Engen Champ of Champs has been part of South Africa’s youth football landscape for decades, and every edition presents an opportunity to deepen its impact,” said Tiro.
She added that the workshops and introduction of the new trophy form part of the tournament’s continued focus on creating meaningful opportunities for young participants.
With the draw now complete, attention turns to the opening matches and the battle for the new trophies.
Boys’ Under-18 Draw
Group A
- Tshepo Academy
- EastHigh Boys Academy
- TenPont Academy
- Pixley Youth FC
- Kaizer Chiefs FC
Group B
- Maria Louw High School
- AmaZulu FC
- Antalyaspor JPM
- Dream Team Academy
Girls’ Under-20 Draw
Group A
- Toti Ladies
- IXIAS Ladies
- Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
- Mafikeng Ladies FC
- Royal Wizards FC
Group B
- RV United
- SuperStrikers Ladies
- City Lads Ladies
- Sisters FC
The 2026 Engen Champ of Champs will run from 2 to 4 October, with the champions in both age groups set to be crowned on Sunday.
For the young players involved, the tournament offers another opportunity to compete on a national stage and take another step in their football journeys — in keeping with the theme, “Where Diski Legends Start.”
