PRETORIA, 5 OCTOBER 2026 — Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have been crowned the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs champions after outstanding campaigns in the Under-18 Boys and Under-20 Girls divisions respectively.
For both Gauteng giants, the triumph marked a return to the top of the competition after last lifting their respective titles in 2024, reinforcing their status as leading forces in South African youth football.
Played under the tournament banner “Where Diski Legends Start”, the event once again provided a platform for some of the country’s brightest young footballers to compete, develop and showcase their potential.
Chiefs finish with a flourish
Kaizer Chiefs produced a commanding display in the U-18 Boys final, defeating Mpumalanga-based East High Boys Academy 3-0 to secure the championship.
The road to the final had tested both sides.
Chiefs edged Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town 1-0 in a tightly contested semi-final, while East High secured their place in the title decider after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over AmaZulu, following a 1-1 draw.
But once the final arrived, the Amakhosi took control.
Chiefs’ three-goal victory capped a composed tournament run and underlined the quality within their development ranks as they reclaimed the trophy.
Chiefs dominate individual honours
The Amakhosi’s title-winning campaign was further reflected in the individual awards.
Tashiel Rugananan was named Defender of the Tournament, while Lebohang Dlamini received the Midfielder of the Tournament award.
Malibongwe Mshali claimed the Striker of the Tournament accolade as well as being named Player of the Tournament, while Chiefs teammates Shaun Els, Lebohang Dhlamini and Tshiamo Mosana also featured among the tournament’s top goalscorers.
The 1v1 competition was won by Reabetswe Boweni of Dream Team, with Jordan Mack of Antalyaspor JPM finishing second.
Antalyospor’s Ayaan Jacobs was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Lesley Netshivembe of East High Academy Boys was recognised as Coach of the Tournament.
EastHigh Academy were also rewarded for their conduct, receiving the Fairplay Team of the Tournament award.
Sundowns Ladies complete flawless campaign
In the U-20 Girls division, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies were simply unstoppable.
The defending champions produced a remarkable tournament, winning all six matches without conceding a single goal — a perfect defensive record that ultimately paved the way to another championship triumph.
Their final day began with a ruthless 3-0 semi-final victory over Superstrikers Ladies FC, setting up a title showdown against RV United.
RV United had booked their place in the final with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ixias Ladies, but Sundowns proved too strong when the trophy was on the line.
The Masandawana secured the championship with a 2-0 victory, completing a near-perfect tournament and reclaiming the title they last won in 2024.
Sundowns sweep major awards
Sundowns’ dominance was also reflected across the individual honours.
Sethabile Kwamwande was named Defender of the Tournament, while Siphesihle Magazi received the Midfielder of the Tournament award.
Lebogang Buthane enjoyed a particularly memorable tournament, being named Striker of the Tournament, Top Goal Scorer and Player of the Tournament.
RV United goalkeeper Bilquies Salie was recognised as Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while the club’s coach Vuyolwethu Kayi was named Coach of the Tournament.
The 1v1 competition was won by Mashego Kagiso of Sisters FC, with Amanda Mkhize of Toti Ladies finishing runner-up.
Ofentse Baloyi was named Match Official of the Tournament, while Ixias Ladies received the Fairplay Team of the Tournament award.
Where future legends begin
Beyond the final scores and silverware, the Engen Champ of Champs once again demonstrated the importance of creating competitive platforms for emerging footballers.
The tournament brought together ambitious young players, coaches and development structures, offering them an opportunity to test themselves under pressure while gaining valuable experience on a national stage.
For Chiefs and Sundowns Ladies, the reward was another championship title and a place in the competition’s history. For the many other young players who competed, the tournament offered something equally important — exposure, experience and another step towards fulfilling their football ambitions.
As the curtain falls on the 2026 edition, the message behind the tournament remains as relevant as ever:
This is where ambition takes shape, potential meets opportunity and the next generation of Diski legends begins its journey.
