Following months of intense regional football action across the country, the teams set to compete at the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs have been confirmed, with provincial champions now preparing to battle it out for national honours.
This year’s edition of the Engen Champ of Champs will take place at the University of Pretoria’s High-Performance Centre from 2–4 October, bringing together the champions of the Boys’ U18 and Girls’ U20 divisions from all nine provinces.
Held under the theme “Where Diski Legends Start,” the tournament continues to provide a competitive platform for the country’s most promising young footballers, coaches and referees, while creating opportunities for talent to be identified, developed and prepared for the next stage of their football careers.
Among the teams set to feature in this year’s competition are Kaizer Chiefs (who make a return to the finals), AmaZulu FC and Dream Team Academy in the Boys’ U18 division, while the Girls’ U20 competition will see the return of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, City Lads Ladies and RV United, among others.
Both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies were crowned the boys (U18) and girls (U20) champions, respectively, at the 2024 Engen Champ of Champs.
Beyond the football action, the Engen Champ of Champs Workshops will return following their successful introduction last season.
The workshops form an important part of Engen’s commitment to developing young footballers and those working alongside them, with dedicated sessions designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of both players and coaches while equipping them with tools and perspectives that extend beyond the football field.
“The Engen Champ of Champs is about more than competition. It is about creating opportunities for young players and coaches to grow and take the next step in their football journeys. We are excited to bring the workshops back this year and to continue investing in the development of the next generation, both on and off the field,” said Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager, Tsholo Tiro.
The Engen Champ of Champs Workshops will take place on 1 October and will be led by Engen Sport Ambassadors, Thabo Senong and Brighton Mhlongo, who will share their experience and expertise as accomplished coach and former professional player respectively, with the participating team coaches and players. They will be joined by Candice Chirwa, a menstrual health advocate and educator, who will share her knowledge on the importance of menstrual education and supporting female athletes during their monthly circles.
With the tournament finals edging closer, anticipation is building for what will be three days of competitive youth football as the next generation of South African football talent comes together at the Engen Champ of Champs.
Engen Champ of Champs Qualified Teams:
Girls’ U-20
RV United (Western Cape), Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (Gauteng), Toti Ladies (KwaZulu Natal), City Lads Ladies (Eastern Cape), Sisters FC (Limpopo), Superstrikers Ladies FC (Mpumalanga), Mafikeng Ladies FC (North West), Royal Lizards FC (Northern Cape), IXIAS Ladies (Free State).
Boys’ U-18
Antalyaspor JPM Football Club (Western Cape), Maria Louw High School (Eastern Cape), AmaZulu FC (KwaZulu Natal), Kaizer Chiefs (Gauteng), Tshepo Academy (Limpopo), East High Academy FC (Mpumalanga), Dream Team Academy (North West), Pixley Youth FC (Northern Cape), TenPoint United FC (Free State).
