The draw for the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs took place at the University of Pretoria High-Performance Centre (HPC) on Tuesday, 29 September, confirming the fixtures for this year’s tournament, which will be contested from 2 to 4 October.
Attended by tournament ambassadors, Tshwane Regional Football Association leadership and key football stakeholders, the event also saw the unveiling of the new Engen Champ of Champs trophy, which will be presented to the champions of both the Boys’ Under-18 and Girls’ Under-20 divisions on Sunday.
Adding to the anticipation, former champions Kaizer Chiefs return to defend their title in the Boys’ Under-18 division, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are back to compete in the Girls’ Under-20 division.
Under this year’s theme, “Where Diski Legends Start,” the tournament will once again provide a platform for players, coaches, referees and aspiring football administrators to showcase their talent while advancing their development within the game.
The popular Engen Champ of Champs workshops will return ahead of the tournament. Led by tournament ambassadors Thabo Senong, Brighton Mhlongo and Candice Chirwa, the sessions will take place on 1 October at the TUKS HPC, bringing together players and coaches for valuable learning opportunities beyond the pitch.
“The Engen Champ of Champs has been part of South Africa’s youth football landscape for decades, and every edition presents an opportunity to deepen its impact,” said Engen Brand Sponsorship Manager, Tsholo Tiro.
“While the competition remains at the heart of the tournament, equal importance is placed on the development opportunities that surround it. The workshops give players and coaches the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, while the introduction of the new trophy marks an exciting new chapter in the tournament’s history. Our focus remains on creating meaningful opportunities for the young people who participate in the Engen football programme.”
Football fans are encouraged to attend all three match days and experience firsthand how Engen continues to provide a platform where diski legends start.
BOYS’ UNDER-18 DIVISION
GROUP A: Tshepo Academy, EastHigh Boys Academy, TenPont Academy, Pixley Youth FC, Kaizer Chiefs FC
GROUP B: Maria Louw High School, AmaZulu FC, Antalyaspor JPM, Dream Team Academy
GIRLS’ UNDER-20 DIVISION
GROUP A: Toti Ladies, IXIAS Ladies, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Mafikeng Ladies FC, Royal Wizards FC
GROUP B: RV United, SuperStrikers Ladies, City Lads Ladies, Sisters F
