Tashiel Rugunanan credits Engen success with unlocking his potential at Kaizer Chiefs

Tashiel Rugunanan says competing at the Engen Champ of Champs has helped him recognise his ability and accelerate his development at Kaizer Chiefs.

The left-back joined Amakhosi at a young age and progressed through the club’s youth system before recently being promoted to the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) squad.

His breakthrough on the national stage came in 2024, when he helped Kaizer Chiefs win the Engen Champ of Champs trophy. Rugunanan was also named both Defender of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament.

He was part of another successful Chiefs side in 2026, as the club retained the title. The defender was again recognised individually, collecting the Defender of the Tournament award.

Rugunanan believes the quality of the competition, and the challenge of facing stronger players, played a significant role in his progress.

“I think playing at a higher level that’s more challenging helps a player to develop faster in a sense because if you are playing with players who are at a lower level, I don’t think it helps you really as a player because you can’t really see your abilities,” said Rugananan.

The experience has been followed by an encouraging start to life in the DDC. Rugunanan scored a spectacular goal in Kaizer Chiefs’ 4–0 victory over Marumo Gallants, making an immediate impression at reserve-team level.

His ambitions now extend beyond individual recognition. He wants to help Kaizer Chiefs win the DDC league title, train with the first team and earn an opportunity to represent South Africa at youth international level.

“I think with DDC now, I want to win the league and maybe start training with the first team if possible, but those are my goals. I want to be a professional footballer ultimately and it’s my passion,” he added.

Rugunanan also hopes to break into the under-20 squad, while acknowledging that he still has areas of his game to improve.

“I would love to represent the national team. I just need to break into the under-20 squad maybe. And there’s obviously a few things I can work on my part.”

His performances at the Engen Champ of Champs have provided a platform for that next step, while his progression through Kaizer Chiefs’ youth ranks has taken him into the DDC environment.