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The 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge gets underway in Cape Town this Friday, with respected football coach Thabo Senong describing the tournament as the cornerstone of youth football development in South Africa.
Set to be held at the Erica Park Grounds in Belhar from 26-28 June, the tournament will feature 32 teams, equally split between the boys’ U-18 and girls’ U-20 divisions, competing for regional honors and a place at the Engen Champ of Champs finals in Johannesburg later this year.
Cape Town City FC hold the title in the boys’ division, while Cape Town Roses hold the honors in the girls’ section.
The Engen Knockout Challenge has established itself as one of South African football’s most important development competitions, providing young players with the opportunity to test themselves against the best talent in their region.
Having coached at two FIFA U-20 World Cups and worked across Southern and East Africa, Senong believes the Engen Knockout Challenge remains unmatched in its contribution to youth football.
“Having been to two FIFA World Cups, and U-20 AFCON tournaments, lived and worked in Lesotho, Tanzania, Malawi and looking for talent, you could not find a tournament like the Engen Knockout Challenge and the value it brings to youth football development. We have to appreciate the support because this tournament is the cornerstone of youth football development in South Africa,” said Senong.
“Without competition, you are unable to measure talent. To the coaches, I know you want to measure and benchmark yourself against other coaches. So, it is a great and big tournament,” he added.
Playing under the competition’s theme ‘Where Diski Legends Start’, teams will once again have the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of scouts, coaches and football stakeholders from across the country.
The action begins on Friday morning with defending girls’ champions Cape Town Roses opening their title defence against Spurs WFC at 09h00.
With three days of youth football ahead in Cape Town, the Engen Knockout Challenge once again provides a platform for young players to test themselves, earn recognition and continue their football journeys.
INFO SUPPLIED.