The Gauteng leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge lived up to its high expectations as South Africa’s leading youth football tournament officially got underway at the Wits Marks Park Sports Grounds on Friday, 07 July.
Mamelodi Sundowns shot straight to the top of Group A after winning both their opening matches against Remember Elite Sports Academy and Randburg AFC while tournament hosts, Wits FC occupy second spot with the deciders set for Saturday afternoon.
Orlando Pirates lead group B with four points, just one ahead of School of Excellence whom they face tomorrow in what will be a repeat of last year’s heated semi-final clash.
Looking at Group C, University of Pretoria lead the table after their victory over Panorama and which was followed by a stalemate with the defending champions, Kaizer Chiefs.
Amakhosi have it all to play for tomorrow as anything less than a victory over the group leaders will see them crash out of the competition.
TS Galaxy leads the standings in Group D and look set for a quarter-final place after winning both their ties against K-West Academy and SuperSport United.
Looking at the Girls Division, University of Pretoria – just like their counterparts in the boys section top their group and have qualified for the quarter-finals after winning all their matches.
Defending champions, University of Johannesburg lead Group B with nine points and subsequently secure a place in the quarter-finals while Blue Birds lead Kempton Park Ladies by a point ahead of the decider between the two to determine who advances to the second round.
JVW top Group C with 6 points but will need to finish the job tomorrow as Joburg United and Rosina Sedibane are hot on their heels with 3 points each, while Mamelodi Sundowns are on course to qualification after winning both their opening matches against Panorama and Bantwana Ladies.
