KZN Draw for 2011 Engen Knock-Out-Challenge

In its eighth year, the tournament has entrenched its position as one of the country’s premier platforms for spotting burgeoning football talent and plays a major role in the development of young players in South Africa.

Created specifically to promote competitive conditions for under 17’s, the Challenge levels the playing fields, affording young football players an equal chance to perform to their best potential in the hope of being scouted and the opportunity of transforming their lives.  

Sixteen teams in each of five regions participate either by invitation and/or through qualifying rounds, play a total of 48 matches over three days.  One of the key rules and life skill elements of the Challenge is that all teams stay throughout the duration of the tournament so they can continue to learn and support their contemporaries. 

Engen Santos Youth Academy Coach and National Selector, Duncan Crowie will be on the sidelines at every match, along with his peers.  “We are always excited to attend tournaments of this nature and witness the depth of talent there is out there” he commented, “these are our football stars of tomorrow and we will be looking for players demonstrating not only the ability to drill the ball and score goals, but teamwork (remembering that football is not about the individual) and of course, that X factor.”

All in all, the Engen Knock-Out-Challenge will influence the lives of up to 2,000 participants across 80 amateur clubs and schools.  Recognizing the power that passion for the sport plays in the lives of these young men, Engen recently announced its continued support for a further three years, for the tournament it created. 

“It remains our vision to support football as a part of community cohesion and look forward to this Challenge each year where we can be instrumental in providing opportunities for those who love the game but who would otherwise not traditionally be able to participate”, commented Brad Bergh, Engen Group Sponsorship Manager,   “The Engen Connect Zone, at each tournament, also provides an opportunity for these players to undergo full assessments which we hope will also help them fuel their chances of improving their skills and their future.”

Many careers have begun on these fields with top players such as Tasleem Paulse (Engen Santos), Zairon van Beulen (Engen Santos), Gavin Hammers (AmaZulu),  Masibusane Zongo (Supersport United) and Shakes Sondlana (Kaizer Chiefs) having appeared on the Engen Knock Out Challenge stage. 2011 should be no exception.