Sundowns down Wits to win Engen Knockout Challenge

Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper Khulekani Kubheka proved to be the difference with his heroics that helped his team lift the U17 Engen Knockout Challenge cup when they beat Bidvest Wits 5-4 on penalties at Marks Park.

Both teams had multiple opportunities to win the game in regulation time, but their lack of composure in front of the goals let them down.

WATCH: Brad Bergh giving feedback on the tournament.

Sundowns controlled the opening exchanges of the game and Lethabo Mashifana released a long shot outside the box in the 10th minute, but it did not trouble Wits goalkeeper Daniel Meyer.

The game was a tightly contested encounter, with neither team giving anything away and, at halftime, the teams were still deadlocked at 0-0.

As the game looked poised to go to penalties, both teams went in search of the all-important goal. Edson Khumalo for Wits, put in a brilliant cross that caught the Sundowns defence napping, but Luvuyo Mkatshana failed to control the ball.

It was left to the goalkeepers to prove their worth as the game finished in a goalless draw. Kubheka inspired Sundowns to victory after saving two penalties. This is Sundowns’ second Engen Knockout Challenge title in three years.

Sundowns coach Godfrey Sapula is hoping that some of his players will be promoted to senior level after winning their second tournament in as many months. “For me success would be seeing some of these players graduating to the senior team, not just winning junior tournaments and vanishing,” he said.

Sapula, who earned 24 caps for Bafana Bafana, was rewarded for his team’s success as the Coach of the Tournament.

LISTEN: Godfrey Sapula speaking after the game about his team’s victory.

https://soundcloud.com/user528046609/sapula1

Sundowns will represent Gauteng in the Engen Champ of Champs Tournament which will see all the provincial winners of the Engen Knockout Challenge go head to head.

Wits coach Charles Yohane was full of praise for his young stars despite losing in the final for the second year in succession. “It was a good performance from the boys in our semifinal against SuperSport United, which took the steam out of the boys as they gave it everything they had,” he said.

WATCH: Mamelodi Sundowns team celebrating after winning the Engen Knockout Challenge.