Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies make flying start at Engen Champ of Champs

The 2026 Engen Champ of Champs opened with provincial champions competing for group-stage points and places in the semi-finals, under the tournament’s “Where Diski Legends Start” banner.

Kaizer Chiefs in contention in U18 boys’ division

East High Academy lead Group A on four points after the opening matches, with Kaizer Chiefs also on four but second on goal difference.

Kaizer Chiefs began with a 2-0 win over Tshepo Academy before drawing 0-0 with East High Academy. The Mpumalanga side had earlier claimed a 3-1 victory against Pixley Youth FC.

Pixley Youth FC are third on three points, while Tenpont FC are fourth, also with three. Tshepo Academy remain bottom without a point, although all five teams are still in contention.

AmaZulu are the only winners in Group B so far after a narrow 1-0 success against Dream Team Academy. The other match ended goalless, with Antalyaspor JMP drawing with Maria Louw High School.

Sundowns Ladies set early pace

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies were the standout performers in the U20 girls’ division, making a strong start in Group A with two convincing victories against Toti Ladies before completing the day with a commanding 5-0 win over Mafikeng Ladies.

Mafikeng Ladies lost both of their opening-day matches and face a difficult route into the semi-finals. Toti Ladies and Royal Wizards each have one defeat and one draw, leaving both sides needing positive results in their remaining fixtures.

RV United lead Group B after beating City Lads Ladies 4-1. Superstrikers are second following a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sisters FC, while Sisters FC were unable to match that result in their opening match.

Engen alumni attend opening day

The tournament also welcomed several notable Engen alumni, highlighting its role in the progression from youth football to the professional game.

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies players Ronnel Donnelly and Katlego Malebane attended after their recent COSAFA Women’s CAF Champions League Qualifier triumph.

They were joined by fellow Mamelodi Sundowns youngsters Bennet Mokoena and Kamogelo Mareletse, who recently lifted the U-20 COSAFA Cup with Amajita. Their international team-mate Keabetswe Morake was involved on the pitch, playing in goal for Kaizer Chiefs.

Saturday’s second day will determine which teams strengthen their claims for semi-final places, with the finalists to be decided before Sunday’s concluding fixtures.

The tournament will reach its climax on day three, when the Engen Champ of Champs winners are crowned in both the Boys’ Under-18 and Girls’ Under-20 divisions.