Champ of Champs aims to shape South Africa’s next football generation

Champ of Champs will return from 1 to 4 October, offering young footballers a platform to develop their talent and compete under professional conditions.

The tournament was discussed on episode 11 of The CarWash Podcast, hosted by Teko Modise, Brighton Mhlongo, Linda Mntambo and Delmain Faver, with former player Roger Feutmba joining as a special guest.

This year’s competition will be staged at the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre. The decision follows comments from figures including Modise, who stressed the importance of creating professional environments in which emerging players can display their ability.

Mhlongo, who serves as a Champ of Champs ambassador, said organisers had specifically asked him to thank the former footballer for supporting the tournament.

The panel confirmed that the event will take place during the first week of October, while the media draw is scheduled for 29 September.

The participating teams, representing provinces at TUKS, are:

Girls

RV United (Western Cape), City Lads Ladies (Eastern Cape), Toti Ladies (KwaZulu-Natal), Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies (Gauteng), Sisters FC (Limpopo), Superstrikers Ladies FC (Mpumalanga), Mafikeng Ladies (North West), Royal Wizards FC (Northern Cape) and IXIAS Ladies (Free State).

Boys

Antalyaspor JPM FC (Western Cape), Maria Louw High School (Eastern Cape), AmaZulu FC (KwaZulu-Natal), Kaizer Chiefs (Gauteng), Tshepo Academy (Limpopo), Easthigh Academy (Mpumalanga), Dream Team Academy (North West), Pixley Youth FC (Northern Cape) and 10Pont FC (Free State).

Developing more than exposure

Feutmba, who has worked in grassroots football development since ending his playing career, said the value of Champ of Champs extends beyond giving young players visibility.

He believes the tournament’s structure is particularly important. Former professionals can pass on tactical understanding and lessons from their careers, he said, but helping players develop their football IQ can be even more significant.

In response to a question from Faver, Feutmba encouraged participants to enjoy the experience, respect the rules and commit fully whenever they are on the pitch.

Mhlongo also pointed to the tournament’s record of helping players progress. According to the ambassador, footballers who impressed in previous editions have gone on to make first-team starts for some PSL clubs.

The panel returned to the competition’s tagline, “where diski legend starts”, agreeing that young players benefit from experiencing the demands and pressure of high-stakes matches.

The path followed by many of the players admired today provides evidence of that value. Before reaching senior football, they were juniors representing their provinces and simply seeking the opportunity to play.