Durban FC primed to defend their Engen Knockout Challenge title

The draw for the Durban edition of this year’s Engen Knockout Challenge was done at Moses Mabhida Stadium this week, with defending champions Durban FC eager to retain the title ahead of 15 other teams.


The Durban leg of the 2018 Engen Knockout Challenge will be played from 13-15 July at the Moses Mabhida Sports Complex.


KwaZulu-Natal is an area famed for its raw talent, and some rough diamonds are sure to be unearthed when the tournament moves to eThekwini.

Last year, Durban FC beat holders Toronto Blizzard after a penalty shootout. Star player, Ntokozo Nzimande stole the show and scooped the midfielder and player of the tournament awards.

This year, Durban FC will be looking to fend off, amongst others, newcomers Fynnland FC, Island FC, and Mgangeni United, on top of expected strong challenges from AmaZulu and Royal Eagles.

The draw put some cats amongst the pigeons with AmaZulu, Fynnland FC, Real Madrid FC and Waterloo FC pooled together in a tough group C.

Tournament director, Mpho Dintwa wished the kids and teams the best ahead of next weekend’s kick off and stressed development of the young players’ character as the foremost goal of the event.

“I would like to congratulate all 16 teams for qualifying for the 2018 Engen Knockout Challenge in Durban,” said Dintwa.

“These are amongst the best youth players and they will be afforded an excellent opportunity to be scouted by professional teams.

”They will also be afforded the best officiating, facilities and all-around support in ensuring that they are able to perform at their best.

“To all the teams, coaches and club officials, I wish you all the best and may the winners represent eThekwini with pride at the 2018 Engen Champ of Champs.”

The Cape Town tournament that kicked off proceedings in late June set the standard, producing football that was nothing short of mesmerising. The proceeding Port Elizabeth leg was not far behind, so Durban has a lot to live up to.

South African Football Association eThekwini president, Mwazi Mkhize lauded Engen for its contribution to youth football development over the past 16 years.

“I would like to thank Engen for sponsoring a tournament of this magnitude, with 16 of the best teams from this region competing against each other to determine Durban’s top youth team,” said Mkhize.

“As you may know SAFA’s 2020 vision is focussed on our youth and that is why it’s so important to have a tournament like this for our regional selectors to find the best young players.

He added: “This tournament is not only about the players, it is also about improving the level of our administrators, match officials and coaches. Gone are the days when you could just become a match official or a coach, now coaches and officials have to pass a SAFA course at a certain level to ensure our players receive the highest level of officiating and coaching.”

From Durban, the Engen Knockout Challenge will move onto Bloemfontein (20 - 22 July) and Johannesburg (27 - 29 July).

Durban Draw Results:


Group A

Durban FC

KwaMashu Arsenal

Young Troublemakers

Future Stars

Group B

Mngangeni United

Shooting Stars

Molweni Warriors

Young Cavaliers


Group C


AmaZulu

Fynnland FC

Real Madrid FC

Waterloo FC


Group D

Royal Eagles

Island FC

Magabheni Stars

Trouble Tigers FC