By Joshua Hendricks.      Images: Supplied

One of SA’s most prestigious youth development football tournaments is returning to the fields. That’s right, the Engen Knockout Challenge is back – and this time, supporters are welcome to attend.

The Engen Knockout Challenge is one of the most prestigious youth development football tournaments in South Africa, contested by Under18 teams around the country. 

And this year, the 20th edition of the Challenge is putting all that talent on display, as spectators are welcomed back to the stands after three years of lockdown.

It is also the second instalment for the Ladies u20, after their maiden inclusion (and stunning performance) in the last campaign.  

The Gauteng leg took place last weekend, and saw Kaizer Chiefs lifting the crown when they beat Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties. KZN will get their turn next weekend, with the games taking place from 15 to 17 July 2022 at King’s Park. 

But this weekend, it’s Cape Town’s turn.

The event gets underway today (8 July 2022), and will last until Sunday – and it promises to be a no-holds-barred thrilling festival of football. 

The Ladies Division will open proceedings at 9:00am, when Mighty City, who finished fourth last season take on defending champions RV United. 

The Male Division will follow just a little behind, kicking off with the hosts, Wanderers FC, taking on the Greek Gods, Hellenic FC, at 10:20am. 

So who will be taking the Engen crown this year?

Well, for the Men, early predictions might favour the incumbent champions, Ubuntu Football Academy, who will be looking to lift the trophy for the third time in a row. 

But their biggest rivals, Cape Town City, will have last year’s nightmare final in mind as they navigate through the competition. And other big names, like Stellenbosch, would have learned from last season’s exploits, and the underdogs Rebels FC and Hanover Park FC will be going all out to represent the LFA teams, and possibly spoil the party. 

In the Ladies Division, you need look no further than RV United, especially with their partnership with UWC. Last year’s champions could be even more formidable in this edition. 

On the other hand, last year’s runners-up, Winston Zuckerberg’s Spurs WFC, will most certainly be back to prove a point. And Cape Town Roses always seem to develop more and more each time they take the field. 

But anything can happen when so many talented footballers take the field – and nobody can predict just what kind of twists and turns the tournament will take.

In the end, only one thing is for sure: we can definitely expect some fireworks. And that’s just the way we like it.

See you there!

Edited by Nicklaus Kruger