The individual award winners at the 2024 Engen Champ of Champs have been confirmed, with Kaizer Chiefs dominating the boys' prizes!
Kaizer Chiefs, who lifted the title two years ago, had to dig deep for the result, having to contend for the title with a highly spirited Stellies side that held them for most part of the match before a late strike by the newly crowned champions in the closing minutes successfully handed Amakhosi the title.
The Gauteng province was the big winners of the Engen Champ of Champs as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies also lifted the Engen Champ of Champs title in the Girls division.
Sundowns were up against KZN champions Durban Ladies in a highly contested encounter that concluded with the club from the nation's capital claiming the victory, a result that saw the Engen Champ of Champs trophies remain in Gauteng for the next year.
Present at the finals on Sunday was Engen Champ of Champs brand ambassadors Brighton Mhlongo and Thabo Senong, who shared their satisfaction at the quality of the football over the three-day tournament.
"This has been yet another exciting edition of the Engen Champ of Champs where talent was given an opportunity to shine. It is encouraging to see how the gap has significantly narrowed in both the boys' and girls' division, proving that the tournament is becoming more and more competitive," Mhlongo said.
Senong, who was recently appointed by FIFA as a talent coach, touched on the quality of coaching at the tournament, saying that it has been truly exceptional to witness young coaches implementing current coaching methods.
"The talent has been exceptional, but what is equally important to note is the quality of coaching that we have seen. I have been encouraged to see how these young coaches, both in the boys' and girls' divisions, have been experimenting and implementing current coaching trends – a clear indication of a good future for South African coaches," Senong said.
Engen Champ of Champs individual award winners:
GIRLS
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Aphiwe Msomi – Durban Ladies
Defender of the tournament: Michaela Swartz – Mamelodi Sundowns
Midfielder of the tournament: Siphesihle Magazi – Mamelodi Sundowns
Top goalscorer of the tournament: Kagiso Dintiwe – Cape Town Roses
Striker of the tournament: Kwezi Khoza – Durban Ladies
Coach of the tournament: Andisiwe Mgcoyi – Mamelodi Sundowns
Player of the tournament: Kwezi Khoza – Durban Ladies
Match official of the tournament: Kgotso Mashamba
BOYS
Goalkeeper of the tournament: Alizna Canca – Ebhayi FC
Defender of the tournament: Tashiel Rugunanan – Kaizer Chiefs
Midfielder of the tournament: Luthando Azasakhe – Stellenbosch FC
Top goalscorer of the tournament: Nizaam Fleux – Kaizer Chiefs FC
Striker of the tournament: Tlotlang Gaseitisioe – Kaizer Chiefs FC
Coach of the tournament: David Mathebula – Kaizer Chiefs FC
Player of the tournament: Tashiel Rugunanan – Kaizer Chiefs FC
