Seen Here: Champions of Cape Town! 🏆⚽ Antalyaspor JPM CT celebrate after defeating Ubuntu Football Academy on penalties to lift their first-ever Engen Knockout Challenge Under-18 boys’ title, securing qualification for the Engen Champ of Champs in Gauteng. Photo Credit: Supplied
CAPE TOWN – Dreams were realised, new champions were crowned and the road to national glory continued as Antalyaspor JPM CT and RV United emerged victorious at the Engen Knockout Challenge Cape Town, securing their places at the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs tournament later this year.
After the tournament finals were postponed on 28 June due to severe weather, Erica Park in Belhar finally hosted an unforgettable championship Sunday on 26 July, where some of the Western Cape’s brightest young football talents delivered thrilling performances in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Antalyaspor JPM CT make history
The Under-18 boys’ final produced a dramatic finish as Antalyaspor JPM CT claimed their maiden Engen Knockout Challenge title after edging national champions Ubuntu Football Academy 5-4 on penalties following an entertaining 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Both sides created numerous scoring opportunities in an evenly contested final, but neither could find a decisive breakthrough before the match was settled from the penalty spot.
Antalyaspor displayed remarkable composure during the shootout to seal a historic victory and complete an outstanding tournament campaign.
Their journey to the final included an impressive 2-0 semi-final victory over Cape Town City FC, while Ubuntu booked their place after overcoming SAFA Cape Town Academy on penalties following a goalless draw.
The triumph marks a major milestone for coach Gareth Ncaca and his talented squad, who now advance to the national Engen Champ of Champs, where they will compete against the country’s top regional champions.
RV United end Cape Town Roses’ reign
The Under-20 girls’ competition also produced a new champion as RV United dethroned Cape Town Roses, ending their remarkable four-year dominance in the tournament.
In a repeat of last year’s final, neither side could break the deadlock during 90 minutes of disciplined and tactical football, forcing another penalty shootout.
This time, RV United held their nerve to emerge victorious, earning sweet revenge after finishing runners-up to Cape Town Roses in the previous edition.
The victory represented a significant achievement for coach Vuyokazi Kayi, whose side demonstrated resilience throughout the competition.
RV United had booked their place in the final after comfortably defeating Ubuntu Football Academy, while Cape Town Roses reached the championship match courtesy of a convincing 2-0 victory over Dangerous Heroes.
With the win, RV United also secured qualification for the Engen Champ of Champs in Gauteng.
Bronze medals decided
Earlier in the day, Cape Town City FC claimed third place in the boys’ competition, while Dangerous Heroes secured the bronze medal in the girls’ division after winning their respective third-place playoffs.
Jordan Mach shines brightest
Antalyaspor JPM CT forward Jordan Mach enjoyed a sensational tournament, walking away with multiple individual accolades after playing a pivotal role in his team’s historic triumph.
Mach was named the tournament’s Player of the Tournament, Striker of the Tournament, and shared the Golden Boot award alongside teammates Thurston Phillips and Lwandle Madingi.
His performances highlighted Antalyaspor’s exciting attacking football throughout the competition.
Seen Here: A new queen of the Cape! 🌟⚽ RV United celebrate a historic victory after ending Cape Town Roses’ four-year reign to win the Engen Knockout Challenge Under-20 girls’ title on penalties, earning sweet revenge and booking their place at the Engen Champ of Champs later this year. Photo Credit: Supplied
Goalkeepers earn top honours
RV United goalkeeper Bilqees Salie emerged as one of the stars of the girls’ tournament, collecting both the Goalkeeper of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament awards after producing several match-winning performances, including heroics during the penalty shootout in the final.
Antalyaspor goalkeeper Ayaan Jacobs was recognised as the outstanding goalkeeper in the boys’ competition after a series of composed displays between the posts.
Individual excellence recognised
Several outstanding young footballers were honoured for their performances during the tournament.
Boys Individual Awards
- Player of the Tournament: Jordan Mach (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
- Coach of the Tournament: Gareth Ncaca (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
- Goalkeeper: Ayaan Jacobs (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
- Defender: Luke Hendricks (Ubuntu Football Academy)
- Midfielder: Anovuyo Mgoqi (Cape Town City FC)
- Striker: Jordan Mach (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
- Top Goalscorers: Jordan Mach, Thurston Phillips and Lwandle Madingi (Antalyaspor JPM CT)
- Referee of the Tournament: Simankele Mnyanda
- Fair Play Award: D6
Girls Individual Awards
- Player of the Tournament: Bilqees Salie (RV United)
- Coach of the Tournament: Vuyokazi Kayi (RV United)
- Goalkeeper: Bilqees Salie (RV United)
- Defender: Hajiera Sulayman (Ubuntu Football Academy)
- Striker: Lisakhanya Situlweni (Cape Town Roses)
- Top Goalscorers: Emihle Mazana and Lisakhanya Situlweni (Cape Town Roses)
- Fair Play Award: Houtbay Ladies
Eyes now on Gauteng
With the Cape Town chapter complete, attention now turns to the Engen Champ of Champs, where Antalyaspor JPM CT and RV United will represent the Western Cape against the country’s best youth football clubs.
The Engen Knockout Challenge continues to live up to its slogan, “Where Diski Legends Start,” providing a platform for South Africa’s next generation of football stars to showcase their talent while taking another step towards professional football.
For Antalyaspor JPM CT and RV United, the celebrations may have only just begun, but an even bigger challenge now awaits on the national stage.
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