The official draw for the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge was conducted on Wednesday, 12 June – officially drawing the battle lines for the KZN leg of South Africa’s largest youth football competition.
The KZN leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge is set to take place over an exciting two-day period between 29 – 30 June at the University of KwaZulu-Natal where 12 teams in both the boys and girls division will battle it out for KZN honours and the right to represent the province at the Engen Champ of Champs later this year.
Proudly themed – It’s Your Moment, with the aim of encouraging youth footballers, coaches, referees and administrators to seize the moment provided by Engen, the 2024 edition of the tournament promises to be yet another exciting and impactful edition.
Speaking at the official draw in Durban, Engen Knockout Challenge brand ambassador and former national team goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo said the growth of the Engen Knockout Challenge continues to be evident in South African football – citing the example of Bafana Bafana debutant and Orlando Pirates sensation, Relebogile Mofokeng.
“The Engen Knockout Challenge continues to live up to its objective of creating a platform for players, coaches and referees to showcase their talent. Year in, year out we witness exciting talent emerging from the tournament to the higher ranks of South African football. The country is currently enjoying exciting talent such as Relebogile Mofokeng who made his international debut at a FIFA World Cup qualifier last night. This is something that does not happen by chance. It is through such tournaments that he and many other footballers continue to benefit from” said Mhlongo.
Looking at the draw results, defending champions, Durban Ladies headline Group A where they will be up against Babhambe FC and Adams Academy.
Sunflower FC, Umlazi Lions and UKZN FC were drawn in a tough Group B dubbed as the group of death.
In the boys’ section, AmaZulu will be hoping to defend their title and secure their place in the Engen Champ of Champs again this season. They have been drawn in Group B against Inanda XI and the highly spirited Mtuba FC.
It will be a battle of academies in Group A which will see eThekwini Centre of Excellence, eThekwini Coastal FC as well as Lindelani FC taking each other head.
