Football clubs in and around the Eastern Cape are set to experience the Engen Knockout Challenge fever, as South Africa’s largest youth football competition makes its way to the province for the first time this year.
The nationwide youth football competition will for the first time activate in Gqeberha, where Engen’s ambassadors Brighton Mhlongo and Akhona Makalima will attend the tournament at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University on Saturday and Sunday.
The them for 2024’s competition is “It’s Your Moment”, and players, coaches and referees will, no doubt, be looking forward to seizing the moment and making their mark.
The official draw for the Eastern Cape leg of the competition was held on Tuesday, when 12 teams in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions were drawn and placed into groups.
The draw, which has pitted some of the province’s best clubs against one other, has helped raise the level of anticipation ahead of the kick-off.
Speaking at the draw, Mhlongo, who is familiar with the province, having spent his final playing days at the Eastern Cape’s leading club, Chippa United, said he was looking forward to seeing what the province had in store this weekend.
“I am quite excited to be coming back to Gqeberha to experience football once again.
“During my time here, I witnessed so much talent, and with the Engen Knockout Challenge coming here this weekend, I am quite confident that we will experience and unearth some of the best talent that the province has to offer across players, coaches and referees.
“I want to encourage all participants to make the most of this opportunity and realise that it is indeed their moment,” said an excited Mhlongo.
Engen Knockout Challenge Eastern Cape draw
GIRLS
Group A: Phoenix Birds Ladies FC, Golden Stars Ladies FC, Nav Galaxy Ladies FC
Group B: Bay Stars Ladies FC, Shining Stars Ladies FC, Ayakha Stars Ladies FC
Group C: Linge Continentals FC, AD Astra Ladies FC, Coastal
Group D: Rhodes University Ladies, Kilimanjaro Sport Stars Ladies FC, City Lads Ladies
BOYS
Group A: Man City FC, Real Aces FC, United Young Stars FC
Group B: Maletswai Jets FC, Hlumani Secondary School, Young Cosmos FC
Group C: Chipped United FC, Real Tigers FC, Ndakeni Young Stars FC
Group D: Sophia Young Stars FC, Ebhayi FC, Maria Louw High
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