Gritty Apex United crowned PE Engen Knockout Challenge champions

The Port Elizabeth leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge delivered as
promised this past weekend, with the young players putting their best
feet forward in front of talent scouts and spectators.

Apex United were crowned champions, edging Addo Football Academy 4-3
on penalties in the final after the match finished 1-1. PE Sundowns
beat Bush Bucks in the third/fourth place playoff.

Formed as recently as 2014, Apex bagged their maiden tournament
victory despite starting the tournament with two goalless draws. They
showed true grit, especially in the final where they came from 1-0
down to win on penalties, with goalkeeper, Reagan Steenberg playing a
starring role.

Runners-up Addo, spearheaded by the Player of the Tournament Simnikiwe
Mbonde, put on their best showing in the quarterfinals beating host
club Glenville Celtic 5-1.

The Gelvandale area is famous for producing Bafana Bafana stars such
as Daine Klate, Elrio van Heerden and Ronwen Williams. Current
SuperSport United youngsters Khanyisa Mayo (son of former Kaizer
Chiefs star Patrick Mayo) and Denwin Farmer also hail from the area.

Klate, South Africa's most decorated footballer with six PSL
championship medals and eight other domestic trophies, lauded Engen
for giving the youngsters a platform to showcase their talent.

Speaking at the tournament, Klaite said the stars that have come out
of Gelvandale is proof of how much talent lies in the area.

"We used to live at these fields. We used to come here and play for
the schools and clubs every weekend," commented Klate.

"Opportunities are very important and the Engen Knockout Challenge
creates the opportunity for some scouts to find this talent.

"The coach that took me to SuperSport (Kwanele Kopo) was here, so too
was Mandla Mazibuko for the School of Excellence and Bafana July on
behalf of Wits.

"The players then have a chance to be placed in proper institutions
and to get into academies. This is the age group that is going to feed
the Multichoice Diski Challenge teams, which is important."

Engen takes a holistic view to youth development. This sees the
petroleum giant focus on both educational and football development of
youngsters, something that ensures the next generation of football
stars can start their journey equipped with valuable life skills.

Engen representative Kholiswa Maramba said: "Without these
tournaments, we cannot have future Daine Klates. Sport and education
speak to the youth. After sport, we need engineers and business
people, and in my view,  you cannot separate sport and education."

The tournament proceeds to Durban (13-15 July), before moving to the
City of Roses, Bloemfontein (20-22 July) and eventually Johannesburg
(27-29 July).

Awards

Referee of the tournament                 Cheslin Plaatjies

Defender of the tournament              Anele Mvebe (PE Sundowns)

Midfielder of the tournament              Thobelani Msebi (Young Ideas)

Top goal scorer of the tournament     Ayanda Tuko (NMU)

Goalkeeper of the tournament          Reagan Steenberg (Apex)

Coach of the tournament                  Chadlee Dixon (Bush Bucks)

Fair Play team of the tournament       Thornhill United

Player of the tournament                    Simnikiwe Mbonde (Addo

Football Youth Academy)