Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Peterson has reflected on the role the Engen Knockout Challenge played in his development, saying the tournament helped shape his journey from a young academy player in Cape Town to the professional game.
Peterson, who recently completed an impressive season with Kaizer Chiefs and narrowly missed out on selection for South Africa’s FIFA World Cup squad, says earning a place at Ajax Cape Town’s academy was his first major challenge.
“My football journey started in Cape Town, and it wasn’t easy. It was a fight just to be part of Ajax Cape Town. I remember going on trials and staying there for a month before they eventually said, ‘Okay, let’s give him a chance”, said Peterson speaking from the Engen Sports Vodcast.
His first experience of the Engen Knockout Challenge came in 2010, although he did not feature during the tournament.
“I was part of the team that was going to play the Engen tournament, but I didn’t play. I just said, ‘Okay, I’m here to support.’ I backed the guys and watched the incredible talent around me.”
The following year proved to be a turning point. Peterson played a key role as Ajax Cape Town won the Engen Knockout Challenge, while his performances earned him the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
“Going into 2011, I played the majority of the games, and we won the Engen Knockout Challenge. I won Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Looking back, 2010 prepared me for 2011.”
Looking back on his journey, Peterson believes the tournament gave young players a platform to believe they could reach the highest level.
“With the Engen Knockout Challenge, you sit there and watch World Cups and see all of this happening. As a youngster, you tell yourself, ‘Maybe one day I’ll be there.’ Fast forward to where we are now and you look back and tell that kid who played in the Engen Knockout Challenge that the chance is there. The opportunity is there. The dream is alive.”
Peterson’s journey reflects this year’s Engen Knockout Challenge theme, “Where Diski Legends Start.” For more than two decades (23 years), the tournament has provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talent, with many graduates progressing to professional clubs and representing South Africa at youth and senior international level.
The 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge got underway in Cape Town this past weekend and now moves to Durban, where the top 24 teams in the Boys’ U-18 and Girls’ U-20 divisions will compete in the next regional leg of the tournament.
For the full conversation, visit the Engen Sports Vodcast
For more on the Engen Knockout Challenge, follow Engen Sport across its digital platforms.
