By:Tana Malinga
New trophy, returning champions and a generation chasing football dreams set the stage for a spectacular weekend at Tuks
TSHWANE-The road to football greatness is now clearly marked, but for the young players preparing to descend on the University of Pretoria’s High-Performance Centre this weekend, the real journey is only beginning.
The 2026 Engen Champ of Champs draw on Tuesday, 29 September, has officially set the stage for three days of youth football action from 2 to 4 October, bringing together provincial champions from across South Africa under the powerful theme “Where Diski Legends Start.”
But beyond the fixtures, groupings and trophies lies something far bigger: an opportunity for young footballers to test themselves, learn from experienced professionals and turn ambition into possibility.
That development message has long been central to the tournament.
Engen ambassador and former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo has previously described the Champ of Champs as a stage where young players are tested under pressure after proving themselves at regional level. His message has consistently centred on the importance of using such platforms to be seen, challenged and developed.
And that philosophy is being extended beyond the touchline.
The Engen Champ of Champs workshops, scheduled for 1 October, will bring together players and coaches with Mhlongo, coach Thabo Senong and menstrual-health advocate Candice Chirwa, reinforcing the tournament’s commitment to developing young people both on and off the field.
For the coaches, too, the tournament offers a laboratory for growth.
Kaizer Chiefs youth coach David Mathebula, who was named Coach of the Tournament when Chiefs won the 2024 edition, has previously stressed the importance of hard work, discipline and building a winning mentality among young players.
His Chiefs side now returns to the national stage after winning the 2026 Gauteng Engen Knockout Challenge, setting up another chapter for a club that already knows what it takes to lift the Champ of Champs crown.
On the women’s side, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies return with their own history behind them. The Tshwane outfit captured the Girls’ title in 2024, with Andisiwe Mgcoyi recognised as Coach of the Tournament after guiding the team to the crown.
Mgcoyi previously warned that winning the tournament builds confidence but also stressed that quality opposition means no team can afford to take anything for granted.
That competitive spirit now meets a fresh stage.
The unveiling of the new Engen Champ of Champs trophy adds another layer of excitement, with the silverware set to be presented to the champions of both the Boys’ Under-18 and Girls’ Under-20 divisions on Sunday.And the groups promise plenty of intrigue.
In the Boys’ Under-18 division, Kaizer Chiefs headline Group A alongside Tshepo Academy, EastHigh Boys Academy, TenPont Academy and Pixley Youth FC. Group B features Maria Louw High School, AmaZulu FC, Antalyaspor JPM and Dream Team Academy.The Girls’ Under-20 division brings together Toti Ladies, IXIAS Ladies, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Mafikeng Ladies and Royal Wizards FC in Group A, while Group B features RV United, SuperStrikers Ladies, City Lads Ladies and Sisters FC.
Nine provinces are represented across the tournament, underlining the national reach of a competition designed to identify and develop the next generation of South African football talent.
Now the draw is done.
The trophy is unveiled.
The champions have arrived.
And from Friday, the pitch takes over.
For some players, it will be about winning. For others, it could be the first major step towards being noticed, developing their game and discovering just how far their football dreams can travel.
Because where diski legends start, dreams do not remain dreams for long, they are given a pitch, a challenge and a chance to rise.
