The Durban leg of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge crowned a new winner in the boys' division, while Durban Ladies maintained their stronghold on the girls' section for a third year running.
Kloof High School in Outer-West Durban set the stage for one of South Africa's top youth football tournaments, providing an ideal platform for KwaZulu-Natal's brightest prospects to seize their moment and become future diski legends.
The 18-team tournament (both boys and girls divisions) saw a host of upsets, near-misses, and heartbreak and jubilation for some, with day 1 being a slow burner and day 2 providing all of the drama.
When thinking of the favourites in the boys' under-18s division, teams like AmaZulu FC, KZN Academy, Midlands Academy and Kusekhanya Academy come to mind – herein lies the beauty of a knockout tournament such as the Engen Knockout, anyone can out-tussle anyone on any given day!
Junior Stars rose above the aforementioned, hotly-tipped sides to snatch the boys’ under-18 title. The boys in blue fought past Inanda XI on penalties in the semifinals and edged past Mophela Development in the quarters on their way to lifting the Engen trophy, sending the youngsters to what will be an unforgettable Champ-of-Champs journey.
In the ladies under-20 section, Durban Ladies were the undeniable favourites to make it three Engen KO titles in a row, and the formidable outfit did just that.
Durban Ladies went through the group stages unbeaten, before trouncing Brazil Academy 6-2 in the quarters and squeaked past Adams Academy in an entertaining semi-final before outlasting Ezemvelo in the final.
Former SuperSport United midfielder and SABC Sport football analyst, Mark Haskins, reflected on the two days of action and what he made of the talent on display at the tournament.
"It was really good to see the best young talent that KZN has to offer, it's always great tos be a part of youth football, to see what's happening in youth football and we weren't disappointed over the two days," said Haskins.
"What I love most about this tournament is that it's about the kids, it's about the players. It's something great that they aspire to. You look at this Engen tournament, and it's been around for years now, it's a great tournament to look forward to when you're of age to play in, and you can see what it means to the players, you can see the passion. This is football at its best.
"This is the birth-ground for so many legends, there are many players that have gone on to do great things in the South African football landscape, so once again, KZN hasn't disappointed, every year, the standard gets better," added Haskins.
