A combination of skill and self-belief will be integral to success in the Engen Knockout Challenge tournament for U19 boys, taking place in Bloemfontein on Saturday (16/07) and Sunday.
This is the Free State leg of the competition, played nationwide in selected cities, with the Louis Botha Technical High School (THS) as the host.
The 16 clubs featured will battle it out to decide who will represent the province at the national final in October.
This development tournament returns to the calendar after a two-year break.
Moroka Hostel Academy from Thaba Nchu won the provincial championship in 2019, making history by winning on debut. The team returns to the battlefield, hoping to again be victorious in this year’s edition.
In 2019 the team outclassed favourites to lift the trophy.
Moroka beat Grey College by 4 – 0 in the final after seeing off tough opponents Bloemfontein Celtic (1 – 0) and Virginia Sports Academy (6 – 5) on penalties.
Virginia Academy has seen its dominance in this competition gradually ending, with unfancied clubs rising to the occasion. The academy is yet to win the national title of the competition, despite having reached eight national finals of the Champ of Champs.
In 2017 Botshabelo’s Roo Stars was crowned as the champion after beating Brebner High School by 4 – 2 in the final.
Other clubs that will vie for this year’s crown are Unstoppable, Mountain Birds, Galaletsang, Remember, Spartans, Tswelopele, Dikoena, Junior PS, Junior Birds, Mapatleng, Wamotseba Motho, Louis Botha and V-La-V.
This competition was launched in Bloemfontein on Friday (08/07), followed by a draw that separated previous provincial champions.
The provincial winner will receive R25 000 and the runner-up R15 000 in prize money.
