Ajax crowned Engen Knockout Champions

Ajax Cape Town were crowned champions of the 2013 Engen Knockout Challenge in Cape Town on Sunday afternoon, defeating ASD Cape Town after a dramatic final which saw the game end with penalties.

The tournament, which took place over the weekend of 23-25 August, was held at the William Herbet Complex and this year’s event celebrated a decade Engen promoting youth development.

Ajax and the African Soccer Development Academy (ASD) were the two favourites to make it through to the final, and they didn’t fail to disappoint.

The young Urban Warriors went throughout the tournament conceding just one goal as they saw off the likes of Vasco da Gama, Kuils River and Cape United with relative ease, while the Claremont outfit marched into the final after beating Bishop Lavis on penalties in the semifinals.

It was a dramatic and charismatic display by both teams throughout the campaign and it only seemed fitting that the pair would cross paths in the prestigious final, which kicked-off at 15h30 in the afternoon.

An impressive crowd gathered around the field to watch the two Cape teams collide and after a tantalizing 0-0 draw, in which ASD did well to absorb Ajax’s constant pressure, the match went straight into penalties.

Ajax goalkeeper, Jody February, was the man of the moment when he pulled off two penalty kick saves to lead his team to an eventual 4-3 win.

“I am very happy. This is always a tough tournament to come and play in. From Day One the conditions weren’t easy but we worked hard, we played together as a team and I think we deserved to win the tournament,” said Ajax coach Maaier Davids, who, himself, took part the tournament at the age of 17.

“I tried to give the boys as much as my experience as possible. I also have a handy assistant in David Kannemeyer, also an experienced player who played for Bafana. And, through the two of us, we tried to guide the players as much as we could.

“We want them to make their own decisions on the field and we guide them off it. I think they did well and congrats to them.”

The victory meant that this will be Ajax’s sixth win in 10 editions of the competition and Davids believes it all boils down to having the right systems in place.

“Our philosophy is youth, so we put a lot of focus in our youth development,” he adds.

“From under-12 we get the right coaches coming in and through the ranks they develop. We try and teach the boys as much as we can: we do life skill programs and nutritional programs.

“It is a host of things that all comes together and we like coming to a tournament like this to express that. I am glad we were able to do that again.”

Meanwhile, Brad Bergh, who is the Group Sponsorship Manager of Engen Petroleum Ltd, was proud of yet another successful Engen Knockout campaign and he was filled with gratitude for all who were at the event.

“Applause must be given to the Cape district, which has been fantastic. This is one of the best tournaments we have had here,” he said with absolute delight.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment; the coaches, the teams and all who participated. Without you the tournament wouldn’t have been possible. A big thanks must also be given to the moms and dads for allowing their children to play.

“But in closing, next year will mark the first year in our next phase of youth football and I am proud to announce we will be committed to this program for the next three years. I personally look forward to celebrating another ten years. Big congratulations must be given to Ajax Cape Town too.”

Ajax Cape Town’s Jody February won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while fellow teammate, Rivaldo Coetzee, who the Defender and Player of the Tournament.

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