PRETORIA, 2 OCTOBER 2026 — The next generation of South African football talent took centre stage on the opening day of the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs, with provincial champions from across the country battling for points, places in the semi-finals and the chance to etch their names into the tournament’s history.
Under the theme “Where Diski Legends Start”, the three-day competition brought together some of the country’s most promising U-18 boys’ and U-20 girls’ teams, with Day One already producing plenty of intrigue across both divisions.
Chiefs make steady start in tight Group A
The U-18 Boys Division is already shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle, with all five teams in Group A still firmly in the hunt for qualification.
East High Academy from Mpumalanga currently sit at the top on four points, with Kaizer Chiefs also on four points but trailing on goal difference.
Chiefs began their campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Tshepo Academy before being held to a goalless draw by East High Academy.
East High, meanwhile, strengthened their position with a 3-1 victory over Pixley Youth FC, giving them an early advantage in the standings.
Pixley Youth FC and Tenpont FC are both on three points in third and fourth respectively, while Tshepo Academy remain without a point.
The opening results have left the group finely balanced, with every match carrying significant weight as the teams chase a place in the last four.
In Group B, AmaZulu emerged as the only team to register a victory, edging Dream Team Academy 1-0.
The other Group B fixture saw Antalyaspor JMP and Maria Louw High School play out a goalless draw, leaving plenty still to play for in the group.
Sundowns Ladies lay down an early marker
If the boys’ competition produced uncertainty, the U-20 Girls Division saw one team make an emphatic early statement.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies opened their Group A campaign with two convincing victories, including a commanding 5-0 win over Mafikeng Ladies.
The result followed their earlier success against Toti Ladies, giving the Masandawana side a strong platform as they pursue another deep run in the competition.
Mafikeng, having suffered two defeats on the opening day, now face a difficult road ahead, while Toti Ladies and Royal Wizards — each with a loss and a draw — will need positive results in their remaining matches to keep their semi-final ambitions alive.
Group B leaders RV United also made a strong impression, producing a convincing 4-1 victory over City Lads Ladies.
Superstrikers FC occupy second place after opening with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sisters FC.
With qualification places at stake, the second day promises another round of high-pressure encounters.
Engen alumni inspire the next generation
Adding another dimension to the opening day was the presence of several successful Engen tournament alumni, highlighting the pathway from youth competition to the senior professional and international game.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies stars Ronnel Donnelly and Katlego Malebane were among those in attendance following their recent COSAFA Women’s CAF Champions League Qualifier success.
They were joined by fellow Masandawana youngsters Bennet Mokoena and Kamogelo Mareletse, who recently celebrated success with Amajita after lifting the U-20 COSAFA Cup.
The connection between past and present was further underlined by Keabetswe Morake, who was on the field representing Kaizer Chiefs in goal.
Their presence served as a powerful reminder to the young competitors that the Engen platform can be a stepping stone towards bigger stages.
The race for the semi-finals intensifies
With Day One complete, the tournament now moves into a crucial second round of fixtures as teams scramble for semi-final places.
Saturday’s action will determine which sides remain in contention for Sunday’s championship deciders, with both the U-18 Boys and U-20 Girls divisions heading towards their respective finals.
For the players, the stakes are now rising with every kick.
For the coaches, it is about managing pressure and extracting the best from their young squads.
And for the spectators, the Engen Champ of Champs is providing another glimpse of the players who could shape the future of South African football.
The stage has been set. The contenders have emerged. Now the battle for the final four begins.
For fixtures and tournament updates, visit www.engensports.co.za.
