Billed as the stage ‘Where Diski Legends Start’, the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs tournament brought together provincial champions from across the country to battle it out in the group stages for valuable points and a place in the semi-finals.
U18 BOYS DIVISION
Group A remains wide open, with all five teams still in contention. East High Academy, from Mpumalanga, lead the standings on four points, ahead of Kaizer Chiefs, who also have four points but trail on goal difference.
Amakhosi opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tshepo Academy before playing to a goalless draw against East High Academy. East High, on the other hand, secured a 3-1 win over Pixley Youth FC.
Pixley Youth FC and Tenpont FC occupy third and fourth place respectively, both on three points, while Tshepo Academy remain at the bottom without a point.
In Group B, AmaZulu are the only team to have secured a win after edging Dream Team Academy 1-0. Antalyaspor JMP and Maria Louw High School played to a goalless draw in the other fixture.
U20 GIRLS DIVISION
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies made a dominant start in Group A, securing two convincing victories against Toti Ladies before recording an emphatic 5-0 victory against Mafikeng Ladies.
Mafikeng Ladies, who suffered two defeats on the opening day, face an uphill battle, while Toti Ladies and Royal Wizards, who each recorded a loss and a draw, will need strong results in their remaining matches to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
In Group B, RV United sit at the top following an impressive 4-1 victory over City Lads Ladies. Superstrikers occupy second place after a comfortable 3-0 win over Sisters FC.
ALUMNI IN ATTENDANCE
Several notable Engen alumni were also in attendance on the opening day, adding to the tournament’s celebration of the pathway from youth football to the professional game. Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies stars Ronnel Donnelly and Katlego Malebane were present following their recent COSAFA Women’s CAF Champions League Qualifier triumph.
They were joined by other Masandawana youngsters in Bennet Mokoena and Kamogelo Mareletse who recently lifting the U-20 COSAFA Cup with Amajita. His national teammate Keabetswe Morake was on the field, featuring in goal for Kaizer Chiefs.
Saturday – Day Two promises plenty of action as teams battle for places in the semi-finals, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in Sunday’s finals. Day Three will see the tournament reach its climax, with the Engen Champ of Champs crowned in both the Boys’ Under-18 and Girls’ Under-20 divisions.
