Under-18 Knockout Challenge: Cape Town's young footballers set to take centre stage
Gugulethu's Cape Town Roses celebrate winning Engen KO Challenge a year ago.
Image: Fuad Esack
Gugulethu's Cape Town Roses and Stellenbosch FC are once again gearing up for a historic moment, as both clubs aim to secure a remarkable third consecutive title when the Engen Knockout Challenge concludes on Sunday evening at Erica Park in Belhar.
After a weather-related postponement, the highly anticipated under-18 boys’ and under-20 girls’ tournaments are now confirmed to kick off on Friday July 11 and climax with the crowning ceremony on Sunday July 13.
Beyond the immediate glory of lifting the trophy in Belhar, both winning teams will earn the honour of representing the Western Cape at October’s Champ of Champs tournament.
There, they will square off against leg winners from Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
For Stellenbosch FC, the path toward three-peat glory is loaded with familiar challenges. Cape Town City, last year’s beaten finalists are expected to mount a formidable push in the under-18 bracket.
Cape Town Spurs won’t be far behind either as their junior side has proven time and again to be serious contenders in these competitions.
Cape Town Roses' Lulamela Vena in action during last years' competition.
Image: Fuad Esack
Although the senior teams’ campaigns saw them at their lowest this season, both City and Spurs relegated, the under-18 squad can remain undeterred and carry their formidable form in junior competitions.
Age-group teams have the ability to forge their own destinies, irrespective of what is happening at senior-level.
On the women’s side, all eyes are on Cape Town Roses. With two back-to-back wins, they are now eyeing a third consecutive victory in the under-20 tournament.
Standing in their way are fierce contenders like RV United and Dangerous Heroes, who are both hoping to derail the Roses’ aspirations of a historic hat trick.
Stellenbosch will be looking to make it three in a row in the Engen KO challenge.
Image: Fuad Esack
The Engen Knockout Challenge has earned a reputation as a breeding ground for footballing prospects.
Many past participants who have had standout performances paved their way into professional contracts immediately following the tournament.
Among the most prominent success stories is last year’s Player of the Tournament, Emile Witbooi. While registered with Cape Town City, Witbooi has now attracted attention from top-tier Premier Soccer League clubs and reportedly even caught the interest of international sides. He is also a South Africa’s junior international with a very high ceiling.