As excitement builds for the 21st edition of the Engen Knockout Challenge and Engen Champ of Champs, proud sponsors Engen have confirmed an exciting line-up to spearhead the tournament as official ambassadors.
This year marks an exciting milestone for South Africa’s leading youth football tournament, which since 2003 has served as a developer of exceptional footballers, coaches, referees and administrators.
The 2023 event will be promoted by AmaZulu midfielder, George Maluleka, Cape Town City Youth Development Coach, Mark Mayambela, and former Orlando goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo, all of whom played in the Engen Knockout Challenge before progressing to the paid ranks.
Maluleka and Mhlongo will be making a return as tournament ambassadors, while Mayambela, who coached Cape Town City to the final of Engen Champ of Champs last year, is included as an official EKOC ambassador for the first time.
Commented Mayambela: “I am honoured to be selected as one of the ambassadors of a tournament that continues to live up to its high expectations of producing talent.
“Engen’s commitment to this tournament must be applauded; not only has it produced professional footballers, but young coaches like myself are exposed to competitive opponents, which also helps us hone and improve our coaching skills,” he added.
In 2021, the Engen Knockout and Engen Champ of Champs introduced a women’s tournament, affording some of the country’s most talented female footballers a stage on which to showcase their talent.
This year will also see increased effort to further grow the women’s tournament.
Engen is therefore proud to introduce Sundowns Ladies’ midfielder, Lehlogonolo Mashego as the tournament’s first ever female ambassador.
Mashego, who has represented the SA under-20 women’s national team said Engen’s investment in women’s football comes at a crucial time.
“Women’s football is on the rise and is growing popular. Banyana Banyana have qualified for their second FIFA World Cup and such success can only be sustained if we have caring brands such as Engen extending a hand to help develop women’s football,” said Mashego.
“I am honoured to be the tournament’s first female ambassador and looking forward to seeing the talent on offer in this year’s event,” she added.
