Picture: Kaizer Chiefs FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC players/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
20 July 2026 – The Engen Knockout Challenge in Gauteng reminded everyone that it’s the birthplace of SA football stars, where Diski Legends start. With Kaizer Chiefs FC claiming the boys’ Under-18 title and Mamelodi Sundowns FC claiming the ladies’ Under-20 title, making them the champions of the province after three exciting days of youth football at Wits Marks Park Stadium.
Day three saw Johannesburg become a massive football hub for fans and legends alike. While the vibrant crowd was a spectacle, the undeniable talent on the pitch stole the show with standout displays from the next generation gripping both scouts and fans.
David Mathebula’s side clinched the boys’ Under-18 title after a convincing 2-0 victory over Kathorus Hyper Academy in the final, rounding off an impressive and entertaining campaign. On their road to the final, Amakhosi overcame Randburg AFC 3–1 on penalties after a 1–1 stalemate in the semifinals, while Kathorus Academy squeezed past Mamelodi Sundowns FC 3–2 in another shootout after 90 minutes ended goalless.
On the ladies’ side, Mamelodi Sundowns FC capped off an impressive campaign by defeating the University of Johannesburg 2–0 to claim the girls’ under-20 title. The two finalists were among the standout teams throughout the competition.
To book their spots in the final, Masandawana narrowly defeated Kaizer Chiefs Ladies in the semifinals, while UJ advanced after knocking out Mamelodi 11 Stars. With their triumphs, Kaizer Chiefs FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC have booked their places in the Engen Champ of Champs tournament, set to take place in Johannesburg later this year.
Engen Knockout Challenge Johannesburg Winners:
Boys Winners Kaizer Chiefs FC
Boys Runners Up Kathorus Hyper Academy
Boys Third place Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Boys Fourth place Randburg AFC
Girls Winners Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies
Girls Runners-up University of Johannesburg
Girls Third place Kaizer Chiefs Ladies
Girls Fourth place Mamelodi XI Stars
Individual Awards (Boys)
Referee of the tournament Amukelisiwe Dunn
Goalkeeper of the tournament Keabetswe Morake (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
Defender of the tournament Tashiel Rygunana (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
Midfielder of the tournament Moeketsi Monese (Kathorus Hyper Academy)
Striker of the tournament Tsheamo Mosana (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
Top Goalscorer of the tournament Will Hemson (Orlando Pirate FC)
Fairplay team of the tournament Kathorus Hyper Academy
Coach of the tournament Bongani Mtshali (Kathorus Hyper Academy
Player of the tournament Tashiel Rygunana (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
Individual Awards (Girls)
Goalkeeper of the tournament Skula Coutimho (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Defender of the tournament Portia Masilela (University of Johannesburg)
Midfielder of the tournament Jabulile Mbatha (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Striker of the tournament Lumka Qhekeka (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
Top Goalscorer of the tournament Lumka Qhekeka (Kaizer Chiefs FC)
Fairplay team of the tournament Mamelodi XI Stars
Coach of the tournament Rhoda Mulaudzi (Mamelodi Sundown Ladies)
Player of the tournament Jabulile Mbatha (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
The Guardian 