PRETORIA, 3 OCTOBER 2026 — The race for the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs title intensified on Saturday as the tournament’s leading contenders booked their places in the semi-finals following a thrilling second day of action at the University of Pretoria’s High-Performance Centre.
With the theme “Where Diski Legends Start”, the tournament showcased some of South Africa’s most promising young footballers, with the U-18 Boys and U-20 Girls divisions producing compelling contests as teams fought for progression to Sunday’s decisive final stages.
Chiefs finish top as AmaZulu advance
In the U-18 Boys division, Kaizer Chiefs underlined their title ambitions by finishing at the top of Group A after an unbeaten group-stage campaign of three wins and a draw.
The Amakhosi development side will now face Antalyaspor JMP, who finished second in Group B, in what promises to be a tightly contested semi-final.
AmaZulu claimed top spot in Group B after recording two wins and a draw, earning a semi-final against East High Academy from Mpumalanga, who secured second place in Group A.
With the margin for error narrowing considerably, the four remaining teams will now have their sights firmly set on the final.
Sundowns Ladies remain unstoppable
In the U-20 Girls division, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies continued their outstanding campaign with a perfect group-stage record.
The Masandawana youngsters won all their matches without conceding a goal, establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s standout sides and sending a warning to their remaining opponents.
Their reward is a semi-final against Superstrikers FC, who finished as Group B runners-up.
In the other last-four clash, RV United, who topped Group B, will take on Ixias Ladies, the Group A runners-up.
With Sundowns yet to concede, the defensive resilience of the Pretoria side will be closely watched as they move into the knockout phase.
Football heavyweights watch future stars
Day two was also notable for the presence of several high-profile figures from South African football, adding further prestige to an event designed to identify and showcase emerging talent.
Among those in attendance were Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr., Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis and national-team captain Refiloe Jane.
AmaZulu head coach Arthur Zwane also made an appearance, while former Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo and AmaZulu’s Head of Football Strategy Sinesipho Mali were among those taking a closer look at the country’s next generation of footballers.
The presence of established figures from different levels of the game provided young players with an important opportunity to perform in front of people who understand what it takes to progress into the professional ranks.
Family pride in the stands
One of the more personal moments of the day came when Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley was spotted supporting his younger brother, Emile, who is part of the Amakhosi development side.
The moment offered a glimpse into the family and community connections that remain at the heart of youth football, where emerging players often draw inspiration and support from those who have already travelled the professional road.
Finals beckon
The tournament now enters its decisive phase, with the semi-finals set to be followed by the third- to eighth-place playoffs in both divisions before the two grand finals.
By Sunday, two U-18 and two U-20 sides will have the opportunity to crown their campaigns as champions and lift the coveted Engen Champ of Champs trophy.
With Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu leading the boys’ challenge, and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies maintaining a perfect start among the girls, the final day promises to deliver high-stakes football and a showcase of South Africa’s emerging talent.
Under the banner “Where Diski Legends Start”, the tournament has reached the point where potential must give way to performance.
The road to glory is down to the final four — and by the end of the day, new champions will be crowned.
