Kaizer Chiefs FC successfully regained their Engen Champ of Champs title on Sunday, 29 September after they emerged victorious against Stellenbosch FC at the Marks Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
Amakhosi, who lifted the title two years ago had to dig deep for the result, having to content the title with a highly spirited Stellies side who held them for most parts of the match before a late strike by the newly crowned champions in the closing minutes successfully handed Amakhosi their title.
The Gauteng province were the big winners of the Engen Champ of Champs as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies also lifted the Engen Champ of Champs title in the Girls division.
Sundowns were up against KZN champions, Durban Ladies in a highly contested encounter that concluded with the club from the nation’s capital claiming the victory, a result that saw the Engen Champ of Champs trophies remain in Gauteng for the next year.
Present at the finals on Sunday was Engen Champ of Champs brand ambassadors, Brighton Mhlongo as well as Thabo Senong who shared satisfaction on the quality of the football over the three-day tournament.
“This has been yet another exciting edition of the Engen Champ of Champs where talent was given an opportunity to shine. It is encouraging to see how the gap has significantly narrowed in both the boys’ and girls’ division, proving that the tournament is becoming more and more competitive” said Mhlongo.
Senong, who was recently appointed by FIFA touched on the quality of coaching at the tournament, saying that it has been truly exceptional to witness young coaches implementing current coaching methods.
“The talent has been exceptional but what is equally important to note is the quality of coaching that we have seen. I have been encouraged to see how these young coaches, both in the boys’ and girls’ divisions have been experimenting and implementing current coaching trends – a clear indication of a good future for South African coaches” said Senong.
Engen Champ of Champs Individual Winners:
GIRLS
Goalkeeper of the tournament Aphiwe Msomi – Durban Ladies
Defender of the tournament Michaela Swartz – Mamelodi Sundowns
Midfielder of the tournament Siphesihle Magazi – Mamelodi Sundowns
Top Goalscorer Kagiso Dintiwe – Cape Town Roses
Striker of the tournament Kwezi Khoza – Durban Ladies
Coach of the tournament Andisiwe Mgcoyi – Mamelodi Sundowns
Player of the tournament Kwezi Khoza -Durban Ladies
Match Official of the tournament Kgotso Mashamba
BOYS
Goalkeeper of the tournament Alizna Canca – Ebhayi FC
Defender of the tournament Tashiel Rugunanan – Kaizer Chiefs
Midfielder of the tournament Luthando Azasakhe – Stellenbosch FC
Top Goalscorer Nizaam Fleux – Kaizer Chiefs FC
Striker of the tournament Tlotlang Gaseitisioe – Kaizer Chiefs FC
Coach of the tournament David Mathebula
Player of the tournament Tashiel Rugunanan – Kaizer Chiefs
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