The Engen Knockout Challenge once again demonstrated why it is recognised as Where Diski Legends Start, with AmaZulu FC and Toti Ladies crowned champions of the 2026 eThekwini leg following two days of exciting youth football at Kings Park Stadium on 11 and 12 July.
AmaZulu FC secured the Boys’ Under-18 title with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Trouble Tigers, while Toti Ladies were crowned Girls’ Under-20 champions after defeating Durban Ladies 2–1 in an entertaining final.
The eThekwini tournament brought together some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most promising young footballers, providing them with an opportunity to compete against the province’s best while catching the attention of scouts, coaches and football stakeholders.
An emotional AmaZulu head coach, Philani Shange, praised his team for their determination and resilience in overcoming every challenge to lift the trophy. He also commended the high standard of football displayed throughout the tournament, describing the weekend’s matches as a true reflection of the talent and potential within South African youth football.
“Honestly speaking, this didn’t start yesterday or today after playing these three games. It started at the beginning of the year with all these boys in the system. I’ve been telling them that the Engen tournament was still to come. I believed they were already because this was our main target to win. The boys showed real hunger for the title and great resilience. It proves that if you want to make it to the top, you have to start at grassroots and premier youth development tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge.”
AmaZulu and Toti Ladies’ respective wins secures them a ticket to the much-anticipated Engen Champ of Champs set to take place in Johannesburg later this year.Engen Knockout Challenge eThekwini Winners:
Boys Winners: AmaZulu FC
Boys Runners Up: Trouble Tigers
Boys Third place: Empire United
Boys Fourth place: Midlands Wanderers
Girls Winners: Toti Ladies
Girls Runners-up: Durban Ladies
Girls Third place: Ezemvelo
Girls Fourth place: DUT
Individual Awards (Boys)
Referee of the tournament: Minenhle Shezi
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Nhlanhla Khanyile (AmaZulu FC)
Defender of the tournament: Wandile Blose (Trouble Tigers)
Midfielder of the tournament: Andile Ngobese (AmaZulu FC)
Striker of the tournament: Luvuyo Mjwara (Durban City)
Top Goalscorer of the tournament: Siphesihle Ngubane (AmaZulu)
Fairplay team of the tournament: Rovers United
Coach of the tournament: Philani Shange (AmaZulu FC)
Player of the tournament: Andile Ngobese (AmaZulu FC)
Individual Awards (Girls)
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Sharon Nciki (Durban Ladies)
Defender of the tournament: Abongile Cele (DUT)
Midfielder of the tournament: Amello Hlonga (Ezemvelo)
Striker of the tournament: Anita Dhlamini (Durban Ladies)
Top Goalscorer of the tournament: Anita Dhlamini (Durban Ladies)
Fairplay team of the tournament: Toti Ladies
Coach of the tournament: Sanele Shezi (Toti Ladies)
Player of the tournament: Anita Dhlamini (Durban Ladies)
