Draw revealed for 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge in Gauteng

The official draw for the Gauteng leg of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge took place this past Tuesday at Wits Sturrock Park in Johannesburg.

Top Under-18 boys and Under-20 girls teams will compete for provincial honours and a place at the Engen Champ of Champs, which is scheduled for early October at the High-Performance Centre in Pretoria.

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns return as defending champions in the boys and girls categories, respectively, and will be looking to hold on to their titles in what is expected to be a competitive and exciting weekend of youth football.

Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager Tsholo Tiro emphasised the importance of the tournament for youth development: “The Engen Knockout Challenge continues to be a platform that allows us to make a real difference in the lives of young people.

"Our goal is to support development both on and off the field by giving young players, coaches, referees, and administrators the chance to grow."

“This year’s theme, ‘It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends’, is a call to young people to believe in themselves and capitalise on the opportunity the tournament provides. We’ve seen many alumni of the tournament go on to become legends of the game, and so this year we encourage aspiring football stars to write their own stories in the rich tapestry of the Engen Knockout Challenge.

“Beyond the playing field, we’re also proud to provide a platform for our inaugural 2024 Sportscaster, Princess Mobeng, to continue learning and growing in sports journalism.

“Our strategic partnership with Qrate continues to go from strength to strength, helping to educate and empower young women beyond the football field.”

The Gauteng play-offs will take place this weekend at the Wits Marks Park Sports Ground, where teams will battle for a chance to represent the province on the national stage.

Fifa talent coach and tournament ambassador Thabo Senong praised the high standard of football seen across the provinces.

“This year’s tournament has shown just how much talent there is in South African youth football. The level has been high across all provinces,” said Senong.

“What I appreciate most is the theme, ‘It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends.’ It’s not just a message; it’s something the players are really taking to heart. You can see it in how they play with purpose and belief.”

2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng Draw Outcome:

Girls’ Draw

Group A: Randburg FC, SAFA Academy, FC Rayacon, Joburg United Ladies Group B: Mito Stars Ladies, Kempton Park Ladies, Wits University, JVW Group C: University of Johannesburg, Blue Birds Ladies, Mamelodi Sundowns, University of Pretoria Group D: Diepkloof Ladies, Future Stars, Thembalethu FC, Panorama Ladies

Boys’ Draw

Group A: APPA, TS Galaxy, Kaizer Chiefs, Joburg City Group B: Florida Albion, Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Panorama FC Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns, SAFA Transnet School of Excellence, Randburg AFC, Katlehong Hyper Academy Group D: Wits University, Highlands Park, University of Pretoria, RESA