Hellenic FC crowned the Engen Knockout Cape Town Champions
The feat was made all the more incredible by the fact that they were the youngest team in the competition.
Coached by former Santos player Neven Paine, Hellenic showed a combination of poise, speed and class to overcome a highly impressive Grassy Park outfit that won the hearts of many spectators with their grit and determination.
This year’s finalists shocked a few tournament favourites on their way to the final. Grassy Park, who made the semi-finals in their debut year in 2017, went one better by ousting tournament favourites Old Mutual 4-3 on penalties. Hellenic beat Hout Bay United 1-0 in the other semi-final.
Grassy Park’s is an amazing story, for a team that hails from one of Cape Town’s most crime-ridden neighbourhoods. Theirs is a story of hope in the midst of adversity, as pointed out by tournament director, Imraan Morgan.
“It’s tough in the communities, the kids are facing many challenges socially and that is why I applaud the coaches and club officials out there for the work they are doing at grassroots level. Without them these youngsters wouldn’t be able to play football, not just the Engen Knockout Challenge,” said Morgan.
Hellenic epitomised what Engen’s youth development programme is all about.
Revived by veteran football servant (and former centre-back) Mark Byrne three years ago, they aren’t merely a development club. The Hellenic Academy partnered with Curro Schools to add an educational element to their youth development.
Their aim is to produce well-rounded human beings, who can sustain themselves beyond their football careers – an aim very much in line with Engen’s.
“For a side this young it’s a massive achievement,” said Byrne.
“Like Engen, we are all about development and are exceptionally proud of the team, the players and the technical team. Nevin Payne is a legend in South African football and we understand the Hellenic ethos.
“For me, it’s more than just football; it’s about a life lesson. If you’re one of the fortunate few that do make it in football, your career has a short life-span and that is why we focus on education, mentoring and tutoring. It’s not about technical ability anymore, it’s about what happens in your heart and head that determines whether you’re going to make it,” concluded Byrne.
Hellenic attacking winger, Justin Paulse scooped the midfielder of the tournament award, following in the footsteps of SuperSport United’s Tebogo Mokoena and Sipho Mbule. Great things are expected from the youngster, who has already caught the eye of top talent managers Rob Moore and Lance Davids.
Another player set for stardom is the Engen Knockout Challenge, Cape Town Player of the tournament; Alister Charles (Grassy Park). Charles attracted interest from many scouts attending the tournament and is said to be on his way to signing for a PSL team.
For Paulse and Charles, their journey has begun.
The Engen Knockout Challenge moves on to Port Elizabeth (29 June – 1 July), Durban (13-15 July), Bloemfontein (20-22 July) and Johannesburg (27-29 July).
Individual Awards
Referee of the tournament: Bevan Hollander
Fair play award: Avendale Athletic
Coach of the tournament: Neven Paine (Hellenic)
Defender of the tournament: Raphael Georgiades (FN Rangers)
Midfielder of the tournament: Justin Paulse (Hellenic)
Goalkeeper if the tournament: Zinnodine van Rooyen (Hout Bay United)
Top goal-scorer of the tournament: Mervin Boji (Idas Valley FC)
Player of the tournament: Alister Charles (Grassy Park)
-Press Release
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