Chiefs and Sundowns Ladies win Engen Knockout Challenge

Johannesburg once again lived up to its reputation as one of South Africa’s football talent factories after Kaizer Chiefs FC and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies emerged as champions at the 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng finals.

After three days of competitive youth football at Wits Marks Park Stadium, the two clubs walked away with provincial honours, earning places at the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs tournament later this year.

The annual tournament has become one of South Africa’s most respected youth football competitions, providing a platform for young players to showcase their talent in front of coaches, scouts and passionate supporters. Over the years, several professional footballers have progressed through the competition, reinforcing its slogan: “Where Diski Legends Start.”

Chiefs finish strong to lift boys’ title

Kaizer Chiefs capped off an impressive campaign with a 2-0 victory over Kathorus Hyper Academy in the Under-18 final.

The Soweto giants had earlier survived a tense semifinal, defeating Randburg AFC 3-1 on penalties after the sides finished level at 1-1. Kathorus Hyper Academy also needed penalties to reach the final, edging Mamelodi Sundowns after a goalless draw.

Chiefs’ performances throughout the tournament were recognised beyond the team trophy, with several players collecting individual honours.

Defender Tashiel Rygunana was named both Player of the Tournament and Defender of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Keabetswe Morake and striker Tsheamo Mosana also received awards.

Sundowns Ladies continue their winning tradition

The girls’ Under-20 competition saw Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies maintain their reputation as one of the country’s strongest women’s football development sides.

Sundowns defeated the University of Johannesburg 2-0 in the final after overcoming Kaizer Chiefs Ladies in the semifinals. UJ secured their place in the final by beating Mamelodi XI Stars.

Midfielder Jabulile Mbatha was one of the standout performers, earning both the Player of the Tournament and Midfielder of the Tournament awards.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Lumka Qhekeka finished as the tournament’s leading goalscorer while also taking home the Striker of the Tournament award.

A pathway to the next level

Youth tournaments such as the Engen Knockout Challenge remain an important part of South African football development, giving talented youngsters the opportunity to compete against top opposition before progressing into professional and senior football.

With their Gauteng titles secured, Kaizer Chiefs FC and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will now represent the province at the Engen Champ of Champs tournament, where the country’s best regional winners will battle for national honours.

Tournament winners

Boys

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

Girls

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

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)

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