Tag Archives: Thabo Senong

Engen Knockout Challenge makes its final stop in Johannesburg

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Akhona makalima, Gavin Smit of Engen, Phil Mogodi SAFA Gauteng President and Thabo Senong during the 2024 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng Draw at Wits Sturrock Park on the 03 July 2024 © Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

It is all systems go for this weekend’s Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg as 32 teams equally split between U-18 Boys and U-20 Girls prepare to do battle in the 2024 edition of South Africa’s largest youth football tournament. The country’s most prestigious youth football tournament makes its way to the city of gold this weekend, where reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns and UJ Ladies, aim to defend their provincial title ahead of September’s Engen Champ of Champs finals.

The draw of the Gauteng leg was officially conducted on 3 July 2024, where all 32 teams were drawn into their respective groups by tournament ambassadors, Thabo Senong, as well as Akhona Makalima, who have been travelling with Engen throughout the country over the last few weeks.

Engen External Communications Manager, Gavin Smith along with SAFA Johannesburg President, Phil Mogodi, were also amongst some of the key stakeholders in attendance at the draw conducted at the Wits Sports Headquarters in Johannesburg. As expected, the draw produced some appetising encounters, which saw reigning champions, Mamelodi Sundowns headlining what has been dubbed as the group of death in the boys section. 

They will be up against the host club, Wits FC, TS Galaxy as well as the exciting Meadowlands Academy.

Former champions, Kaizer Chiefs C will be looking at reclaiming their 2023 title but must first come out of a difficult group consisting of Jomo Cosmos, Randburg AFC as well as Transition Football FC. In the Girls division, defending champions UJ Ladies FC face fellow league opponents Springs Home Sweepers along with tournament hosts Wits and Panorama FC.

Another interesting group in the girls’ division sees JVW headlining a Group B pool consisting of Springs United Ladies, Future Stars as well as Emmarentia Pirates. The tournament officially gets underway on 5 July and concludes on Sunday afternoon, where the winners will be eligible to compete at the Engen Champ of Champs set to take place in September 2024.

For all Engen Knockout Challenge fixtures, results and other Engen Sport related news, visit http://www.engensports.co.za.

For live coverage of the tournament, matches are freely available on the SuperSport Schools App.

Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng Leg Draw Results:

BOYS – U18

GROUP A: Kaizer Chiefs, Randburg AFC, Transition Football, Jomo Cosmos

GROUP B: Kathorus Hyper Academy, Highlands Park, Stars of Africa, Panorama FC

GROUP C: Rosina Sedibane, Tuks FC, Joburg City, SuperSport United FC

GROUP D: Wits FC, TS Galaxy FC, Meadowlands Academy, Mamelodi Sundowns FC

GIRLS – U20

GROUP A: UJ Ladies FC, Panorama FC, Springs Home Sweepers, Wits FC

GROUP B: JVW, Springs Ladies, Future Stars, Emmarentia Pirates

GROUP C: Tuks FC, Diepkloof, Ladies, Bantwana Ladies, Mito Stars

GROUP D: Mamelodi Sundowns, Randburg AFC, Kempton Park Ladies, Blue Birds FC

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Senong shares coaching insights and trends seen at Western Cape Engen Knockout Challenge

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Picture: Former Bafana Bafana coach, Thabo Senong/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

Following the conclusion of the Western Cape leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge, renowned youth football coach, Thabo Senong, serving as an ambassador, shared his insights on the impressive coaching acumen and trends seen in the Cape Town edition.

Senong, who is travelling with Engen across the country as part of his ambassadorial role of guiding and mentoring young coaches at the tournament, heaped praise on the exceptional coaching displayed by the young tacticians so far.

“I was deeply impressed by the strategic acumen and leadership displayed by the coaches. Their ability to adapt tactics, motivate players, and make decisive decisions under pressure was truly commendable.

“I was thoroughly impressed with the ladies’ football teams. Their conditioning was exceptional and they displayed incredible mobility and lightness on the field”, he said.

Commenting on the final of the boys section, former Bafana Bafana assistant coach and U-20 Men’s head coach also highlighted the coaches’ ability to adapt to situations, while also using the players’ talent to their respective advantage.

“Both Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City demonstrated remarkable cohesion as teams, executing their tactics with precision. Additionally, their players showcased remarkable individual skills that contributed to their teams’ success.

“The tournament provided a platform for coaches and players to showcase their tactical brilliance. It was inspiring to witness the strategic depth and innovation displayed by teams across the board,” said Senong.

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