Durban Ladies successfully defended their Engen Knockout Challenge crown after an emphatic 7-2 victory over Babhambe FC at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal on Sunday, 30 June.
Carrying the favourites tag of the competition, the team founded by long-servant of women’s football in KwaZulu-Natal, Mary-Jane Sokela cruised to a resounding victory at a packed UKZN Edgewood campus to secure their place at this year’s Engen Champ of Champs set to take place in Johannesburg later this year.
Speaking after the successful defending of their title, Durban Ladies FC coach, Skhumbuzo Mkhize, who was voted coach of the tournament in the ladies’ division said the team’s victory is well deserved, as they have been working hard in their preparations for the tournament.
“This is a well-deserved victory for the team. We have been working hard for this and the result is testament to that. The team would even train twice in preparation for this because we knew that the standard would be higher and that all eyes would be on us to perform. We know what is at stake in Johannesburg and we will give it our utmost best against some of the best teams in the country at the Engen Champ of Champs” said an elated Mkhize.
Meanwhile, a new champion was crowned in the boys’ division of the tournament after newcomers Shayamoya FC were crowned champions on their Engen Knockout Challenge debut.
In a fiercely contested final against Kusekhaya FC that ended 1-1 in regulation time, the new champions of the province were decided from the lottery of penalties, with the result going 5-3 in favour of the debutants who will be heading to Engen Champ of Champs as champions of the KwaZulu-Natal province later this year.
“I am truly happy with what the team has achieved today. I don’t even know how to describe the feeling but being crowned champions at a tournament involving some of the best teams in KZN really says a lot about the potential of this team. We take this victory in humility and hope to represent the province well at the Engen Champ of Champs in September” said Shayamoya FC coach, Mpendulo Nyuswa.
Nyuswa also walked away with the coach of the tournament accolade in the boys’ division.
Engen Knockout Challenge Individual Awards:
GIRLS DIVISION
Goalkeeper of the tournament Aphiwe Msomi UKZN Ladies
Defender of the tournament Amanda Mzwulwini Toti Ladies
Striker of the tournament Okuhle Phewa Babhambe FC
Top Goalscorer of the tournament Kwezi Khoza Durban Ladies FC
Coach of the tournament Skhumbuzo Mkhize Durban Ladies
Fair play team of the tournament Shooting Stars
Player of the tournament Amahle Mtshali Durban Ladies
BOYS DIVISION
Goalkeeper of the tournament Olwethu Mngadi Kusekhaya FC
Defender of the tournament Micky Sikhakhane Kusekhaya FC
Midfielder of the tournament Mthobisi Jeza Shayamoya FC
Striker of the tournament Nhlanhla Gasa Midlands Academy
Top Goalscorer of the tournament Kwanele Mbayi Shayamoya FC
Coach of the tournament Mpendulo Nyuswa Shayamoya FC
Fair play team of the tournament KZN Academy
Player of the tournament Mthobisi Jeza Shayamoya FC
________________________________________________________