ENGEN KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE MAKES IT’S WAY TO THE EASTERN CAPE

Football clubs in and around the Eastern Cape are set to experience 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, Eastern Cape where Engen, alongside its ambassadors Brighton Mhlongo and Akhona Makalima are expected to attend the tournament set take place at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University between 22 – 23 June.

Proudly living up to its theme for the year, It’s Your Moment – players, coaches and referees will be looking forward to seizing the moment and making use of the opportunity created by Engen when the tournament heads their way this weekend.

The official draw of the Eastern Cape leg of the competition was held on Tuesday, 18 June where 12 teams in both the boys and girls’ division were drawn into their respective groups.

The draw, which pitted some of the province’s best clubs against each other marks an exciting build-up to Engen’s much-anticipated trip to the talent rich province in a few days’ time.

Speaking from the official draw on Tuesday, Engen Knockout Challenge Brand Ambassador, Brighton Mhlongo who is quite familiar with the province, having spent his final playing days at the province’s number one 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 elated Mhlongo.

Engen Knockout Challenge Eastern Cape Draw Outcome:

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: Rhode 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