The stage is set for another exciting edition of the eThekwini leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge following the official draw, held in Durban on Wednesday, 08 July.
The draw brought together football administrators, stakeholders and participating clubs ahead of this weekend’s tournament and was attended by Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager, Ms Tsholo Tiro, SAFA eThekwini President, Mr Mazwi Mkhize, and former professional goalkeeper and Engen Knockout Challenge ambassador, Brighton Mhlongo.
The 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge eThekwini will take place at the King’s Park Grounds from 11–12 July, featuring 24 teams, equally split between the boys’ and girls’ competitions. At stake is regional supremacy and a coveted place at the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs, where South Africa’s finest youth teams will compete for the national title.
Adding further excitement to this year’s launch was the unveiling of Engen’s inspiring new tournament theme, “Where Diski Legends Start.”
The theme celebrates the competition’s enduring legacy as one of South Africa’s premier youth football development platforms, having produced generations of talented footballers who have gone on to make their mark in the professional game.
Now entering its 24th edition, the Engen Knockout Challenge has served as a proven pathway for aspiring footballers, providing young players with an opportunity to showcase their talent in front of scouts and professional clubs.
Among the latest success stories is Bafana Bafana and Chicago Fire (USA) defender, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was identified during the 2023 Engen Knockout Challenge before earning his opportunity in the professional ranks.
Tournament ambassador Brighton Mhlongo believes the tournament continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of South African football.
“Every professional footballer starts somewhere, and for many of South Africa’s top players, that journey began at the Engen Knockout Challenge. That’s why this year’s theme, ‘Where Diski Legends Start’, resonates so strongly. This tournament gives young players the opportunity to test themselves against the very best, be seen by scouts and coaches, and perhaps take the first step towards a professional career. The next Mbekezeli Mbokazi could very well be on these fields this weekend, and that’s what makes this tournament so special.”
Action officially gets underway at 09h00 on Saturday, with fixtures set to run throughout the day.ENGEN KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE ETHEKWINI DRAW OUTCOME
BOYS
GROUP A: Kusekhaya FC, Senzokuhle FC, Empire United FC
GROUP B: AmaZulu FC, Umkhanyakude FC, Future Stars FC
GROUP C: Durban City FC, Ethekwini FC, Trouble Tigers FC
GROUP D: KZN Academy FC, Midlands FC, Rovers United FC
GIRLS:
GROUP A: Durban Ladies, TB Stars FC, Heroes FC
GROUP B: Adams City FC, Sharks Academy FC, KwaMashu Sisters FC
GROUP C: Sunflower FC, DUT FC, Ezemvelo FC,
GROUP D: Adams Academy FC, Lindelani FC, Toti Ladies FC
