2026 Engen Champ of Champs draw sets up three days of South African youth football

The fixtures for the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs have been confirmed, with the tournament set to take place from 2 to 4 October at venues in and around the University of Pretoria High-Performance Centre (HPC).

The draw was held at the TUKS HPC on Tuesday, 29 September, in the presence of tournament ambassadors, Tshwane Regional Football Association leaders and other football stakeholders.

A new Engen Champ of Champs trophy was also unveiled at the event. It will be awarded to the winners of both the Boys’ Under-18 and Girls’ Under-20 divisions on Sunday.

Defending Boys’ Under-18 champions Kaizer Chiefs FC will return to defend their title, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will compete again in the Girls’ Under-20 division.

The tournament’s theme for 2026 is “Where Diski Legends Start”. It is intended to give young players, coaches and referees a platform to display their ability, while also supporting the development of aspiring football administrators.

The competition will be preceded by the Engen Champ of Champs workshops on 1 October at the TUKS HPC. Tournament ambassadors Thabo Senong, Brighton Mhlongo and Candice Chirwa will lead sessions for players and coaches, with the programme designed to provide learning opportunities away from the pitch.

“The Engen Champ of Champs has been part of South Africa’s youth football landscape for decades, and every edition presents an opportunity to deepen its impact,” said Engen Brand Sponsorship Manager Tsholo Tiro.

“While the competition remains at the heart of the tournament, equal importance is placed on the development opportunities that surround it. The workshops give players and coaches the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, while the introduction of the new trophy marks an exciting new chapter in the tournament’s history. Our focus remains on creating meaningful opportunities for the young people who participate in the Engen football programme.”

Fans are being encouraged to attend all three days of fixtures and watch the next generation of football talent compete.

The Boys’ Under-18 draw has placed five teams in Group A: Tshepo Academy, EastHigh Boys Academy, TenPont Academy, Pixley Youth FC and Kaizer Chiefs FC.

Group B consists of Maria Louw High School, AmaZulu FC, Antalyaspor JPM and Dream Team Academy.

In the Girls’ Under-20 division, Group A features Toti Ladies, IXIAS Ladies, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Mafikeng Ladies FC and Royal Wizards FC.

Group B contains RV United, SuperStrikers Ladies, City Lads Ladies and Sisters FC.