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 Wednesday, 03 July 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 host club, Wits FC, TS Galaxy as well as the exciting Meadowlands Academy.
Former champions, Kaizer Chiefs 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 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 Friday, 05 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.
For all Engen Knockout Challenge fixtures, results and other Engen Sport related news, visit 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
