Author: ongcwabe

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

The draw for the Eastern Cape leg of South Africa’s leading youth football tournament, the Engen Knockout Challenge, took place on Tuesday at the Kennaway Hotel, in East London.

The event brought together representatives from Engen, the Eastern Cape Football Association, participating clubs, and key football stakeholders, and set the stage for the regional tournament, which will be played on 26-27 July at Dale College, in Qonce.

It’s the first time that the tournament visits Qonce and it demonstrates Engen’s ongoing efforts to widen access and opportunity within grassroots football.

Speaking at the event, Engen Knockout Challenge ambassador and FIFA Talent Coach, Thabo Senong, highlighted the importance of taking the tournament to new communities.

“It’s vital for platforms like the Engen Knockout Challenge to reach different parts of the country,” he said.

“By moving into King William’s Town (Qonce), we open the door to players with talent who just need the right platform. It’s how we grow South African football.”

Engen Communications Manager, Gavin Smith, reiterated the brand’s continued investment in youth development and spoke about the vision behind this year’s campaign message: “The Engen Knockout Challenge continues to be a space where potential is recognised and developed.

“This year’s message, ‘It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends’, is a reminder to every young player that their time is now.”

The tournament in Qonce will feature 16 girls’ and 16 boys’ teams.

Engen Knockout Challenge Eastern Cape Groups

Girls’ draw

Group A: Caledonian AFC, Maivuke FC, Phoenix Birds Ladies FC
Group B: Coastal United Ladies FC, Golden Stars Ladies, City Lads FC
Group C: Shakes 1O1, Ebhayi FC, WSU BCC
Group D: Blackpool Ladies FC, Nav-Galaxy Ladies, Buffalo Stars Ladies

Boys’ draw

Group A: Malcomess Secondary School, Braelyn Brothers Fc, Maria-Kouw High School
Group B: Chippa United FC, United Professional FC, City Strikers FC
Group C: Matshona Young Stars, Red Lions FC, Real Aces FC
Group D: Mini Stars FC, Highbury FC, Strikers FC

The KwaZulu-Natal leg of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge wrapped up in thrilling fashion at Kloof High School on Friday, with Durban Ladies etching their name in history by securing a third consecutive title in the girls’ division.

Junior Stars claimed the boys’ title after two days of electrifying football.

The event brought together KwaZulu-Natal’s top u18 boys’ and u20 girls’ teams, who battled it out in a very competitive competition.

In the girls’ division, however, Durban Ladies, once again, went all the way, but they were pushed to their limits in the final by Ezemvelo, sneaking a 5-4 win in a penalty shoot-out.

In the boys’ division, Junior Stars demonstrated grit, tactical discipline and attacking firepower to score a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kusekhaya Academy in the title game.

Tournament ambassador and former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo, was on hand throughout the weekend and inspired the players with hands-on support and key insights. His message was clear: “This tournament is more than just a platform. It’s a springboard for the next generation to grow, lead, and dream bigger.”

The 2025 theme, “It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends,” echoed across the tournament both on and off the field as emerging stars rose to the occasion and embraced the spotlight.

As the provincial champions, Durban Ladies and Junior Stars will represent KwaZulu-Natal at the Engen Champ of Champs in October 2025, when they go head-to-head with the nation’s other regional champions.

Engen Knockout Individual Awards

Girls

Goalkeeper of the tournament: Nosipho Madikane – Ezemvelo
Defender of the tournament: Luyanda Thabethe – Durban Ladies
Midfielder of the tournament: Okuhle Sithole – Durban Ladies
Top Goalscorer: Asanda Mchunu – Ezemvelo
Striker of the tournament: Noluthando Fenner – Ezemvelo
Coach of the tournament: Melikhana Makhaye – Durban Ladies
Player of the tournament: Okuhle Sithole – Durban Ladies
Fair play team of the tournament: Mpheli All Stars

Boys

Goalkeeper of the tournament: Siphephelo Majozi – KZN Academy
Defender of the tournament: Siphesihle Sikhakhane – Khuzekhanya
Midfielder of the tournament: Andile Ngobese – Amazulu FC
Top Goalscorer: Mtobisi Zondo – Inanda XL
Striker of the tournament: Melokuhle Khoma – Junior Stars
Coach of the tournament: Musawenkosi Ntuli – Junior Stars
Player of the tournament: Melokuhle Khomo – Junior Stars
Fairplay team of the tournament: Kuzekhaya

Referee of the tournament: Sabelo Gumede

The 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge playoffs kicked off at Kloof High School on Thursday, with u18 boys’ and u20 girls’ teams from across KwaZulu-Natal competing in the provincial leg of one of South Africa’s top youth football tournaments.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools!

The first day of competitive group stage matches saw some strong performances from teams aiming to make it through to the knockout rounds.

The tournament’s ambassador, Brighton Mhlongo, the former Orlando Pirates‘ and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, encouraged players during the opening ceremony to make the most of their opportunity.

“This tournament is a mirror,” he said. “It reflects your mindset, your hunger, your character. Play with purpose. Play like it’s your moment, because it is.”

In the girls’ division, the defending champions, Durban Ladies, made a solid start, winning both of their matches to finish top of Group A, thus booking their place in the quarterfinals. They were joined by Toti Ladies, who secured their spot after a narrow 1–0 win over Sunflower.

In Group B, Babhamba finished at the top of the group with two wins, while Mphehli All Stars earned second place, thanks to a strong 7–1 victory over Umlazi Young Lions, which also confirmed their place in the knockout stage of the competition.

Adams Academy and Ezemvelo also gave good accounts of themselves with competitive performances across the day.

In the boys’ division, AmaZulu FC advanced to the quarterfinals after finishing level with Junior Stars at the top of Group A, with first place being decided by a coin toss.

Highlander Academy, Mophela Development, and Inanda XL also moved on to the next round putting in strong shifts in their respective group matches.

The tournament continues with the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final on Friday.

A new boys’ champion will be crowned, while the Durban Ladies continue their quest to defend the title.

RESULTS

Women

Durban Ladies 1-0 Sunflower
Umlazi Young Lions 1-7 Mphehli All Stars
Adams Academy 2-0 Senzokuhle
Brazil Academy 5-0 Kwamashu Ladies
Junior Stars 2-1 Clermont Eagles
Durban Ladies 3-1 Toti Ladies
Highlanders 2-0 Mandeni Celtics
Midlands Academy 0-0 Kusekhaya Academy
South Coast United 1-1 Mophela Development
Umlazi Young Lions 0-4 Babhambe
Adams Academy 0-1 Westville Ladies
Brazil Academy 0-5 Ezemvelo

Men

Junior Stars 2-2 Amazulu FC
Highlanders 2-0 Ethekwini City Styles
Midlands Academy 1-1 Inanda XI
South Coast United 0-2 KZN Academy
Sunflower 0-2 Toti Ladies
Mphehleli All Stars 0-1 Babhambe
Senzokuhle 4-0 Westville Ladies
Kwamashu Ladies 0-9 Ezemvelo
Clermont Eagles 1-2 Amazulu FC
Mandeni Celtics 2-4 Ethekwini City Styles
Kusekhaya Academy 2-2 Inanda XI
Mophela 1-0 KZN Academy

QUARTERFINAL FIXTURES

Women

Durban Ladies vs Brazil Academy
Babhambe vs Adams Academy
Senzokuhle Ladies vs Mphehli All Stars
Ezemvelo vs Toti Ladies

Men

Amazulu vs KZN Academy
Highlanders vs Kusekhaya
Inanda XI vs Ethekwini City Styles
Mophela Development vs Junior Stars

The draw for the Durban leg of South Africa’s leading youth football tournament, the Engen Knockout Challenge, took place on Monday at The Pavilion Hotel, in Durban.

The event brought together representatives from Engen, SAFA eThekwini, participating clubs, and local football stakeholders.

The provincial tournament takes place on 3 and 4 July.

The boys’ division will see a new champion crowned, while three-time champions, Durban Ladies, will try to add a fourth title to their impressive achievements.

This year’s tournament is the 22nd Engen Knockout Challenge. The event started in 2003.

Speaking at the launch, Engen Knockout Challenge Ambassador and former professional goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo, urged the young talent to seize the moment provided by Engen.

“The tournament gives you more than just game time, it gives you purpose, exposure, and pressure,” said Mhlongo. “It’s your moment to rise, to grow, and to show what you’re made of.”

Echoing Mhlongo’s sentiments, Engen Communications Manager, Gavin Smith, highlighted the tournament’s lasting impact and the vision behind 2025’s campaign message: “The Engen Knockout Challenge has become a trusted space for young talent to rise,” he said.

“This year’s message, ‘It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends’, speaks to every player with a dream.

“We’re proud to offer a platform that not only scouts talent but also builds confidence, character, and hope. Fans can expect top football, but also moments that remind us why this tournament matters beyond the pitch.”

ENGEN KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE DURBAN DRAW 

Mamelodi Sundowns edged past Kaizer Chiefs at Clapham High on the weekend, claiming a 1-0 victory to maintain their position at the top of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) standings.

Sundowns headed into the clash high in confidence, having run up a 13-match unbeaten streak in the league.

However, coach Surprise Moriri would have been wary of Kaizer Chiefs. The Amakhosi handed the Brazilians their only loss of the season thus far when the sides met in the second round of GDL fixtures.

As expected, the match was a battle of tactics, directed by two of the league’s leading coaches, Moriri, of ‘Downs, and David Mathebula, of Chiefs, who both enjoyed very successful playing careers.

After a heated battle, the result, as it often does, came down to one simple but vital matter, clinical finishing. On this occasion, Mamelodi Sundowns scored the one and only and all-important goal to pick up their 13th win of the season and another three points.

Having ceded top spot to Sundowns a few weeks ago, Randburg AFC had a point to prove.

They were away at Joburg City on Saturday and, given their impressive record away from home this season, coach Skhosiphi Mgobozi‘s side would have fancied their chances of coming away with a win. 

Joburg City, under coach Thato Mosala, have enjoyed a good season thus far and would have been confident, too, although they had produced middling performances in recent weeks. 

The game, though, went Randburg AFC’s way. They powered their way to a 3-0 win, which means only two points continue to separate them from the log-leading Sundowns.

Wits Junior has endured a tough season, but they’ve been a tough out for their opposition and, on Saturday, they pulled off the weekend’s most impressive upset when they beat SuperSport United 1-0.

In other results, the defending GDL champions, Highlands Park, thrashed the league newbies Elspark United Academy 6-0, while School of Excellence and Kathorus Hyper settled for a goalless draw in their fixture.

Jomo Cosmos picked up a 2-1 win over Remember Elite Sport Academy 2-1, while Seven’s Academy lost 1-4 to Panorama FC.

RESULTS

Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Jomo Cosmos 2-1 Remember Elite Sport Academy
School of Excellence 0-0 Kathorus Hyper Academy
Joburg City 0-3 Randburg AFC
Seven’s Academy 1-4 Panorama FC
SuperSport United 0-1 Wits Junior
Elspark United Academy 0-6 Highlands Park

Thokozani Mnguni, the former Mamelodi Sundowns ‘defender and now head coach of the Rockefvs u19 team, called for his side to be handed a longer rope after they fell to consecutive defeats over the weekend in the Gauteng Development League.

Mnguni’s unit was handed a stinging 1-5 defeat by the in-form Randburg AFC, playing away from home, on Saturday. Then, on Sunday, Highlands Park rubbed some salt into their wounds, scoring a 2-0 victory in Tshwane.

By all accounts, Rockefvs have been more than a decent unit in the first half of the season. However, their inexperience has been exposed in recent weeks.

In an interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, Mnguni gave his insights on the weekend’s defeats, citing minor defensive errors as the main reason behind the disappointing results.

“The game against Randburg really did not go according to plan. We lost 5-1 against them and then went on to lose 0-2 to Highlands Park at home on Sunday.

“We conceded two first-half goals due to defensive errors, but in the second half we played strongly but failed to convert our chances,” Mnguni said about Sunday’s loss.

“With the Randburg game, on Saturday, my boys should have followed the instructions from the management team. They were running off the ball, which just won’t cut it at this level.

“We told the boys not to follow the runner and to instead stick to their normal position off the ball. What then happened is that we were caught off our strategic positions. From there, the opposition exploited spaces.

“However, this is our first season in the big league, so I understand that’s how my boys will learn. These are still young boys at this level. They are learning everything and, as a coach, it is crucial to have patience with them.

“All we need is to drill the message into them that they must just stick to the instructions. There were one too many instances where we also lacked communication, and we were punished,” he added.

Fellow League newbies, Elspark United Academy, also endured a tough loss, conceding a half-dozen goals to the log-leading Mamelodi Sundowns.

 

Kaizer Chiefs, in a highly anticipated fixture against SuperSport United at the Kaizer Chiefs Village, emerged victorious, powering their way to a convincing 4-1 win to keep their title hopes alive.

The remainder of the matches were all tightly contested. Panorama FC beat School of Excellence 1-0, Jomo Cosmos won 1-0 against East Rand Athletic Club, while RESA handed TS Galaxy a 1-2 defeat in their own backyard.

Kathorus Hyper Academy fell 0-1 at home to Tuks, Panorama FC held on for a 1-0 win over School of Excellence, and Seven’s Academy shared a 2-2 draw with Highlands Park.

Results

Rockefvs 0-2 Highlands Park
Elspark United Academy 0-6 Mamelodi Sundowns
Kathorus Hyper Academy 0-1 Tuks
East Rand Athletic Club 0-1 Jomo Cosmos
Kaizer Chiefs 4-1 SuperSport United
Randburg AFC 5-0 Rockefvs
TS Galaxy 1-2 RESA
Panorama FC 1-0 School of Excellence
Seven’s Academy 2-2 Highlands Park

This week, the stage is set for another round of mouth-watering Gauteng Development League (GDL) fixtures, with Joburg City making their way to the Kaizer Chiefs Village on Sunday to take on coach David Mathebula’s unit.

Chiefs have produced, by their own standards, an average first half of the season, with six losses in 16 matches, and two draws.

On the other hand, Joburg City is enjoying a breakthrough season, with coach Thato Mosala reaping the rewards of the foundations he has laid. 

READ: Thato Mosala laid a solid foundation to build Joburg City Under-19 for the 2025 season

Heading into the fixture, Chiefs are, however, the clear favourites. But, Joburg City’s Mosala is well known in the GDL community for his obsession with watching film of the opposition and gathering stats to present to his players in preparation for their matches.

Chiefs are dangerous at home, but they have suffered two defeats at the Village, going down to Panorama FC two weeks ago and to Tuks before that

Mathebula, though, will be cognisant of Joburg City’s struggles of late. They last won over a month ago, when they beat TS Galaxy on 10 May.

Mosala will fancy his team’s chances of handing Chiefs another home defeat, while Mathebula will be confident his charges will extend Joburg City’s winless streak.

The action will be live on SABC Plus with the u14s scheduled to start from 09:00. The u19s are set to get underway from 14:00.

In other fixtures, Seven’s Academy hosts Elspark United, School of Excellence is home to Highlands Park, and Rockefvs welcomes Wits Junior.

Panorama is away at Tuks, Randburg AFC plays at Jomo Cosmos, Kathorus Hyper Academy travels to Vereeniging for a meeting with Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), and East Rand Athletic Club is on the road at TS Galaxy

FIXTURE

Saturday, 21 June

Seven’s Academy vs Elspark United Academy
School of Excellence vs Highlands Park
Rockefvs FC vs Wits Junior FC
TUKS vs Panorama FC
Jomo Cosmos FC vs Randburg AFC
Remember Elite Sport Academy FC vs Kathorus Hyper Academy
TS Galaxy vs East Rand Athletic Club

Sunday, 22 June

Kaizer Chiefs vs Joburg City

In a year of firsts in the world of sports, underdogs have toppled giants across various sporting codes to earn the highest honours, the big guns of the Gauteng Development League (GDL), Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs, denied SuperSport United and Wits Junior from achieving the same feat on the weekend.

Throughout the GDL season, it has seemed that the u19 division would follow a similar storyline of smaller teams dominating the league, with the likes of Randburg AFC and Joburg City registering some of the season’s most shocking victories.

Though SuperSport United is by no means a smaller team, relative to Mamelodi Sundowns, they certainly are. The Pretoria clubs met at the Eskom Megawatt Park, on Sunday, with coach Tumelo Ndaba‘s United favoured to win based on their good form leading into the fixture.

Coach Surprise Moriri‘s Mamelodi Sundowns would have been wary of United but confident at the same time, as they, too, had enjoyed a good run into the clash.

The home team made the better start, though, with SuperSport United’s Thando Mkhwanazi striking after a defence-piercing assist from playmaker Tlotliso Makgai.

However, the Brazilians were just too strong on the day, replying three times to take the honours in the Tshwane derby by a 3-1 margin.

With the victory, Mamelodi Sundowns moved from second in the standings to the top of the pile, taking over from Randburg AFC.

On Saturday, coach David Mathebula and Kaizer Chiefs faced Wits Junior at the Kaizer Chiefs Village.

Chiefs were in sixth place ahead of the match. Mathebula’s side needed a victory, but they knew, given the stubborn nature of the Wits Junior side this season, it was going to take an all-out effort to pick up the three points on offer.

As expected, Wits Junior were full of hustle and bustle, giving Chiefs all they could handle while scoring an impressive four goals at the Village.

Chiefs, though, were equally determined not to lose at home and they rustled up five goals in reply to win an entertaining contest 5-4. 

With momentum on their side after their victories over the weekend, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns next face Joburg City and Elspark United Academy this week.

For SuperSport United and Wits Junior, their mission will be simple: bounce back with wins.

Results

Kaizer Chiefs 5-4 Wits Junior
Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 SuperSport United

This week, the country is in for two mouth-watering Gauteng Development League (GDL) clashes.

Kaizer Chiefs hosts Wits Junior at Kaizer Chiefs Village on Saturday, before Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United lock horns at Eskom Megawatt Park in a much-anticipated Tshwane Derby.

The 2025 GDL season has been unlike any year preceding it. The underdogs have taken it to the big clubs and are in the mix at the upper end of the standings. And it is not just one or two teams that have been making their mark. The gap between the big names and the smaller clubs is closing.

For a second time this season, Randburg AFC tops the u19 table. They’ve led the way, but Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), Joburg City, and Rockefvs, in particular, have also captured the spotlight and tamed some of the beasts of the GDL. 

With this in mind, Kaizer Chiefs’ coach David Mathebula will have warned his boys against any complacency when they take on 14th-placed Wits Junior.

Last week, Mathebula’s team fell to a 2-3 loss to Panorama FC, a result that stunned not only Chiefs but also GDL observers. 

The Amakhosi have also lost to RESA, Randburg AFC, and Kathorus Hyper Academy, which is why they find themselves in eighth place on the log.

Big teams, though, know how to rise to the occasion and, given that the league has reached its halfway mark, Mathebula will be intent on turning around the club’s fortunes on Saturday.

On Sunday, a fierce rivalry will resume when Tshwane powers, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United, go at it.

The fixture brings together coaches Surprise Moriri (Sundowns) and Tumelo Ndaba (SuperSport United), both of whom are recognised for their tactically astute leadership. Time and again, their reading of the opposition has brought their charges success.

Fixtures

Kaizer Chiefs vs Wits Junior
Mamelodi Sundowns vs SuperSport United