SPORT: Engen cup aims to bring future Bafana stars
The six teams will battle it out at the Tuks High-Performance Centre for the ultimate prize in youth football.
The launch of the 2018 Engen Champ of Champs soccer tournament took place at the Tuks High-Performance Centre on Thursday afternoon.
The tournament consists of six finalists which include Hellenic FC, Apex United FC, Royal Eagles FC, Virginia Sports Academy, Bidvest Wits FC and host club SuperSport United FC.
The six clubs will battle it out for the ultimate prize in youth football.
ALSO READ: Great fun and entertainment await at Silver Falcons six-a-side soccer tournament
Engen Petroleum representative, Benny Thobejane said the four-day tournament was set to start on 4 October.
“We are looking forward to this year’s edition and as Engen, we are always proud to be part of this wonderful campaign.
“Over 180 players have been scouted by big clubs and some of them have gone on to play for Bafana Bafana. The journey starts here, and we are looking forward to seeing the next Keagan Dollys, Hlatswayos and Klaasens.
Former Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi said the tournament was not only about developing players but instilling confidence in them
“Through this programme, we promote kids through football and encourage them to be better men.
One of the most important things we need to teach them is how to conduct themselves with the media. Media training is very important because it installs (sic) confidence in the players,” he said.
Host Supersport United will kick off the tournament against Bidvest Wits.
ALSO READ: This dog can teach you a thing or two about soccer
United youth coach Junior Bengu said he was excited to face their Gauteng rivals
“Regarding Wits, we lost to them 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the provincial round so we are ready for them. Obviously, some people would have liked us to play them in the Engen semis or finals but we can’t choose games. We still going to be playing all the five teams, it doesn’t matter who we play first at this stage.
Bengu, along with his technical team travelled around the country to get a glimpse of teams that were part of the tournament.
“Fortunately I had the opportunity to go to Durban to watch Royal Eagles.
We have the opportunity to play well in this tournament and we are keen to give opportunities to youngsters. In one of our games, we had 15-year-olds playing for our u/18 teams so for us, is not just about winning but giving young ones a chance.”
Photo: Eliot Mahlase
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
