Engen Champ of Champs see SA’s best U18 soccer players compete

EMMARENTIA – South Africa's best U18 soccer players take each other on at the Engen Champ of Champs.

October 15, 2019

Nicholas Zaal 1 minute read

Players from Chippa United in red and Tlokwe United Football Club in yellow give their all at the Engen Champ of Champs. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

It was goals galore at the 17th annual Engen Champ of Champs tournament at Wits Marks Park.

About three fields were in use at any given time between 9am and 7pm for four days in Emmarentia, as some of South Africa’s best U18 soccer talent played for ultimate glory.

This year it was the Ubuntu Football Academy from Cape Town that proved to be the champ of champs. Amazulu United Football Club from Durban finished second. Former Bafana Bafana players Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Stanton Fredericks were the ambassadors for the tournament.

Pixley United in white take on Moroka Hostel Football Club in Black at the Engen Champ of Champs tournament. *Photo: Nicholas Zaal*

“There has been a difference in the level between teams but that means there is a learning curve for some of the teams,” Fredericks said.

“It means players can play against the elites and it is a brilliant opportunity for the less-fancied teams. Coming from underprivileged backgrounds, these boys get the opportunity to travel, stay in a hotel, rub shoulders with football’s best. The camaraderie they feel they will take for the rest of their lives.”

The competitiveness of the Engen Champ of Champs is highlighted when Pixley United and Moroka Hostel Football Club players vie for possession. *Photo: Nicholas Zaal*

Fredericks said he was speaking from experience, as he still remembered participating in tournaments like this when he was younger.

A Chippa United player takes the ball toward goal in his game against Tlokwe United Football Club, *Photo: Nicholas Zaal*

Letsholonyane added, “This tournament has been a stepping stone for some of the best players this country has produced. Some of these youngsters will become household names in just a few years from now.”

Engen’s brand and sponsorship manager, Bulela Mkandawire said before kick-off, “We have assembled a really impressive line-up; very competitive, and we anticipate some high-quality football from the stars of the future. At Engen, we are committed to help unlock the tremendous potential within our country.”