The Engen Knockout Challenge  is full of top talent, so sometimes a new star can be hard to see next to the blinding light of players that have already been earmarked by scouts, pundits or coaches. But then we look around – and we see incredible players like Cape Town City FC’s Aphelele Mabongo.

Hailing from Khayelitsha, 16-year-old  Aphelele Mabongo is one of those hidden diamonds that performed so well behind the scenes, helping Cape Town City make it to the finals (where they were defeated by Ubuntu Football in a tight game).

Ironically, Aphelele was released by Ubuntu Football after making a move there from Hellenic. He returned home to Rebels FC for a short spell until he got scouted by Cape Town City. (And for what it’s worth, City has since taken some sweet revenge against Ubuntu in the Coke Cup, where they’re once again going into the finals.)

Byron Mark Cottle, Head Coach of Cape Town City u18 team, has this to say about the young maestro: “He’s a great number 6, breaks down play, can play from a deeper role. His diagonal balls are good. He’s a hard worker, and is physically strong for his age.” 

That, combined with his determination to persevere, has been a powerful asset.

“His attitude on the field is good and his a quiet one. He has a no-nonsense look on his face, doesn’t always smile,” Coach Cottle notes. “Lots of people don’t understand him. He’s the type of person that you need to understand, to get the best out of him.That’s just the passion he has – he’s the type of player you can go to war with.”. 

Thanks to his booming performances, he’s now signed an apprenticeship contract – the first contract that the Citizens offer their youth players, which allows them to train with the DStv Premiership team. And the murmurs around the Malta Astro, where the Cape Town City boys train, is that Aphelele is destined for Europe. 

“Aphelele has the heart and determination he has to succeed in whatever he does,” Coach Cottle says. “He has the energy of a Ngolo Kante, and the ability to cover ground like no other – and he makes the rest of the teams’ jobs way easier. Great talent – and definitely one for the future.”

What a feat for such a young budding teenager, whose world is about to light up – and who may soon light up our screens as well. Now this is the magic of the Engen Knockout Challenge , where your journey starts.