Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Crowned 2026 Engen Champ of Champs Champions
The 2026 Engen Champ of Champs delivered another showcase of South Africa’s emerging football talent, with Gauteng sides Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies claiming championship glory in the Under-18 Boys and Under-20 Girls divisions respectively. Both teams returned to the winners’ podium after last lifting their respective trophies in 2024, underlining their continued strength in youth football. Kaizer Chiefs produced a convincing 3-0 victory over East High Boys Academy in the Under-18 Boys final, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies completed a remarkable unbeaten campaign with a 2-0 victory over RV United in the Under-20 Girls final. The tournament once again brought together ambitious young players competing for silverware and recognition. It also lived up to its reputation as a platform where future football stars can gain valuable experience and make their talents visible.
Kaizer Chiefs were the dominant side in the Under-18 Boys final as they defeated Mpumalanga-based East High Boys Academy 3-0. The Amakhosi had faced a difficult route to the title and needed a narrow 1-0 victory over Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town in the semifinal. That result demonstrated that the Chiefs could not afford to take their opponents lightly, particularly with a place in the final at stake. East High Boys Academy also had to overcome a difficult semifinal, eventually defeating AmaZulu F.C on penalties after the match ended 1-1. After those demanding semifinal encounters, the final belonged firmly to Kaizer Chiefs as they turned their superiority into a three-goal victory.
The 3-0 result gave Kaizer Chiefs a strong finish to their Engen Champ of Champs campaign and secured another piece of silverware for the club’s youth setup. Their success was also reflected in the individual awards, with several Chiefs players receiving recognition for their performances throughout the tournament. Tashiel Rugananan was named Defender of the Tournament, while Lebohang Dlamini received the Midfielder of the Tournament award. Malibongwe Mshali was named Striker of the Tournament as well as Player of the Tournament, highlighting his influence on the champions’ campaign. Shaun Els, Lebohang Dhlamini and Tshiamo Mosana were also recognised among the tournament’s top goal scorers.
The individual honours showed that the Chiefs triumph was not built around one player alone. Their defensive organisation, midfield quality and attacking production all earned recognition during the tournament. The selection of Rugananan as the leading defender indicated the strength of the team at the back, while Dlamini’s midfield award highlighted the contribution made in the middle of the pitch. Mshali’s double recognition as the leading striker and overall Player of the Tournament added another major individual achievement to the team’s championship success. With several players receiving awards, the results suggested that Kaizer Chiefs had quality across different areas of the team.
East High Boys Academy may have fallen short in the final, but their run to the championship match represented an impressive tournament campaign. They defeated AmaZulu F.C in a semifinal shootout after the two sides could not be separated over normal time. Their performances earned further recognition when coach Lesley Netshivembe was named Coach of the Tournament. East High Academy also received the Fairplay Team of the Tournament award, providing recognition for their conduct throughout the competition. Their appearance in the final demonstrated that the Engen Champ of Champs continues to provide opportunities for teams outside the traditional elite club structures to compete on a major youth football stage.
The Under-20 Girls division produced an equally impressive championship campaign from Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. Banyana Ba Style won all six of their matches during the tournament and completed the competition without conceding a single goal. That defensive record was one of the defining features of their title-winning run and demonstrated remarkable consistency across the entire tournament. Sundowns Ladies entered the decisive stages with their momentum intact and produced another convincing performance when the pressure increased. Their flawless campaign ultimately ended with a 2-0 victory over RV United in the final.
Sundowns Ladies first secured their place in the final with a commanding 3-0 semifinal victory over Superstrikers Ladies FC. The result gave them another clean sheet and demonstrated their ability to combine defensive control with effective attacking play. RV United reached the final after defeating Ixias Ladies 1-0 in their own semifinal. That set up a championship showdown between two teams that had earned their places through difficult knockout matches. In the final, however, Sundowns Ladies proved too strong for RV United and completed their tournament with another clean-sheet victory.
The Sundowns Ladies success was reflected throughout the Under-20 individual awards. Sethabile Kwamwande was named Defender of the Tournament, while Siphesihle Magazi received the Midfielder of the Tournament award. Lebogang Buthane earned recognition as Striker of the Tournament, Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament. Those honours complemented the team’s unbeaten run and underlined Buthane’s influence during the championship campaign. RV United goalkeeper Bilquies Salie was also recognised as Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while RV United coach Vuyolwethu Kayi received the Coach of the Tournament award.
The tournament also celebrated players and officials beyond the championship teams. Mashego Kagiso of Sisters FC won the Girls’ Under-20 1v1 competition, with Amanda Mkhize of Toti Ladies finishing second. Ofentse Baloyi was named Match Official of the Tournament, recognising the contribution of match officials to the successful running of the competition. Ixias Ladies received the Fairplay Team of the Tournament award in the girls’ division. These awards added another dimension to the event by recognising individual skill, coaching, officiating and sporting conduct alongside the main championship trophies.
In the Under-18 Boys division, the 1v1 competition also provided a platform for individual talent to shine. Reabetswe Boweni of Dream Team claimed first place, while Jordan Mack of Antalyaspor JPM finished second. Ayaan Jacobs of Antalyaspor JPM was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, adding individual recognition to the club’s strong run to the semifinals. The variety of clubs represented among the individual award winners demonstrated that the tournament was not simply a showcase for the eventual champions. Players from different teams had opportunities to distinguish themselves and attract attention through their performances.
The return of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies to the top of the Engen Champ of Champs is also significant because both teams last won their respective titles in 2024. Their 2026 triumphs show that the two clubs continue to maintain strong youth structures capable of producing competitive teams. Winning a youth tournament requires more than individual talent, as players must perform consistently across several matches while adapting to different opponents and match situations. Both Gauteng champions demonstrated that consistency when it mattered most. Their victories also provide their young players with the experience of competing in high-pressure matches and playing for major tournament honours.
The Engen Champ of Champs continues to serve an important role in the development of young footballers in South Africa. The competition gives players a structured environment in which they can test themselves against strong opposition while competing for meaningful silverware. It also allows coaches to assess players in demanding situations that can reveal qualities that are difficult to measure during ordinary training sessions. Individual awards further give outstanding performers recognition for their contributions throughout the tournament. The emphasis on youth development makes the competition an important stage for players who hope to progress towards higher levels of the sport.
The 2026 edition once again demonstrated why the tournament is described as “Where Diski Legends Start.” The phrase reflects the competition’s focus on giving young footballers an opportunity to take another step towards their footballing ambitions. The performances of the Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies champions provided a fitting conclusion to a tournament built around emerging talent, competition and development. Their victories were supported by standout individual performances, while players from other teams also earned recognition through the various awards. As these young footballers continue their respective journeys, the experience gained at the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs could become an important part of their development.
