By Johnathan Paoli

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have been crowned 2026 Engen Champ of Champs winners after dominant victories in Sunday’s finals.

Playing at the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre, Tshwane, on Sunday, Chiefs claimed the Under-18 boys’ title with a 3-0 victory over East High Academy of Mpumalanga, while Sundowns Ladies completed their campaign with a 2-0 win over RV United of the Western Cape in the Under-20 girls’ final.

The two Gauteng champions capped impressive campaigns at a tournament bringing together provincial champions from across South Africa under the theme “Where Diski Legends Start”.

Chiefs had entered the final after overcoming Western Cape champions Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town in their semi-final, while East High Academy booked their place in the decider by beating KwaZulu-Natal champions AmaZulu.

The final victory completed an unbeaten tournament for Chiefs, who topped Group A with three wins and a draw before navigating the knockout stage.

The Amakhosi development side had opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tshepo Academy and followed that with a goalless draw against East High.

They then defeated TenPont Academy 3-1 before edging Pixley Youth 1-0 to finish at the summit of the group.

East High finished second in Group A after victories over Pixley Youth and TenPont Academy and a goalless draw against Chiefs.

Sundowns Ladies were even more driven on their way to the girls’ crown, completing the tournament without conceding a goal.

The Gauteng side swept through Group A with victories over Toti Ladies, Mafikeng Ladies, Royal Wizards and Ixias Ladies before defeating Superstrikers in the semi-finals.

Their group-stage campaign included a 4-0 victory over Toti Ladies and a 5-0 demolition of Mafikeng Ladies, followed by further wins over Royal Wizards and Ixias.

They carried that defensive record into the final, where the 2-0 victory over RV United from the Western Cape, secured the girls’ championship.

RV United had topped Group B and reached the final after defeating Ixias Ladies in the semi-finals.

Chiefs’ Malibongwe Mtshali was named the Player and Striker of the Tournament in the boys’ competition after playing a key role in the Amakhosi’s successful title-winning campaign.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Lebogang Buthane was named both Player and Top Goalscorer of the Tournament in the U20 girls’ competition after helping her side secure the title.

The boys’ top goalscorer award was shared by Kaizer Chiefs trio Shaun Els, Lebohang Dhlamini and Tsheamo Mosana, alongside Omphile Bokala of TenPont United.

The final day brought together a number of prominent figures from South African football landscape, attending during the competition.

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr., Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and national team captain Refiloe Jane were among those who watched the young players in action.

AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane also attended, alongside former Chippa United coach Kwanele Kopo and Usuthu head of football strategy Sinesipho Mali.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley was also spotted supporting his younger brother Emile, who represented the Amakhosi development side.

The tournament also highlighted the pathway between youth football and the professional game through the presence of several Engen alumni.

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies players Ronnel Donnelly and Katlego Malebane attended after their recent COSAFA Women’s CAF Champions League Qualifier success, while Bennet Mokoena and Kamogelo Mareletse were present following Amajita’s COSAFA Under-20 Cup triumph.

Keabetswe Morake, another Amajita player, was involved on the field for Chiefs.

The 2026 tournament featured nine boys’ and nine girls’ teams representing provincial champions from across the country.

INSIDE EDUCATION

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