The U20 Mamelodi Sundowns made history after being crowned the 2024 Engen Champ of Champs Knockout Challenge held at the Marks Parks Sports Club in Emmarentia from September 27 to 30.
Rising football star Matobane Moshugi, a Grade 12 learner from Curro Wilgeheuwel, had the opportunity to once again represent the West Rand in this prestigious tournament after previously winning the Engen Knock Out Challenge (EKOC) on July 9.
The stakes were high as teams were battling to be victorious, but the Sundowns Ladies put on their armour and went to war, winning all four of their group stages and placing them in the semi-finals.
Andrew Moshugi, Matobane’s father, shared with the Roodepoort Northsider how his daughter was an instrumental figure in her team’s success as one of the younger players.
“Watching her blossom on the field and playing with so much passion makes me a proud father because I know her success will stem from her hard work and impressive track record of being the most improved player in her school team at Curro,” Andrew said.
As the semi-finals approached, their coach encouraged the women to play a smart game and to avoid being pressured by the speed of their competitors, the Cape Town Roses. With Matobane’s impressive assists, the team qualified for the finals with a 2–0 win.
After a fiercely contested match between the 2023 winners, the KZN champions Durban Ladies, the women emerged victorious with a 1–0 win, ensuring that the Engen Champ of Champs trophy would stay in Gauteng for the upcoming season.
During a live interview, Matobame mentioned how overwhelmed the team was but managed to keep their head in the game throughout the tournament.
“I’m so grateful for being a part of this wonderful team, and although we lost a key player, we had to adjust and knew the work had to be done. My plan is to one day captain the national team and play overseas, and I will work hard to make sure that dream comes true,” Matobane added.
Tears of joy were the highlight of the closing ceremony as the women lifted the trophy with pride, making them the 2024 champions.
