Gauteng ready for Engen Knockout Challenge

The Engen Knockout Challenge continues to nurture young talent at grassroots level, and this year will be no different when the tournament kicks off at Marks Park Stadium on 31 July.

The draw for the Gauteng leg has set some scintillating group stage games for the 16 participating teams with Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in the group. SuperSport United will have to dig deep if they are to defend their title in this year’s edition.

The tournament has unearthed many young footballers who are now household names, including Thulani Serero who plays for Ajax Amsterdam in Netherlands.

With this being the 12th edition of the tournament, Engen Group sponsorship manager, Brad Bergh, said they are proud to be supporting a tournament that is making a difference in South African football.

Adrian Carter from Wits Sport applauded Engen for the continuous support throughout the years. “I think everyone would agree [that] in 2015, when times are tough, it is difficult to find a job, difficult to raise a family [and] even more difficult to find a long-time loyal sponsor. Thanks to Engen for their support,” he said.

Carter said that Wits University will actively be scouting players with both academic and football potential in this year’s edition. “Many students that are playing in this tournament, unfortunately, will not go on to have professional careers – and that’s where Wits University comes in,” explained Carter.

The former Orlando Pirates captain Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi who will be coaching Education Through Soccer (ETS) from Soweto, applauded the work done by Engen in supporting local young talented footballers.

“This is a good tournament and Engen is doing a good job. It also helps the players beyond football with other life skills and takes children away from the streets,” said Vilakazi.

LISTEN: To the former Orlando Pirates captain speaking at the Engen Knockout Challenge Draw:

https://soundcloud.com/user528046609/vilakazi