South Africa’s premier youth football development tournament, the Engen Knockout Challenge, officially returns for its 24th edition, with the qualifiers phase set to get underway in Cape Town from Friday, 01 May 2026.
Recognised as one of the country’s most competitive and respected youth football tournaments, the Engen Knockout Challenge returns with a campaign focused on celebrating – Where Diski Legends Start.
The upcoming season of the Engen Knockout Challenge will see Engen demonstrating the competition’s unique role as the launchpad for South Africa’s future football legends, while equipping them with essential life skills required to succeed both on and off the field.
Speaking ahead of the start of the qualifiers, Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager expressed her excitement about the impact and importance of the tournament:
“The Engen Knockout Challenge continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of South African football. It gives young players a professional platform to express themselves, compete at a high level, and believe in their dreams. Many of today’s stars started their journeys here, and I’m excited to see the next generation of talent emerge as this year’s tournament kicks off.”
2026 ENGEN KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE QUALIFIER SCHEDULE:
CAPE TOWN | The Greens Sports Complex – Manenberg, Site C Sports Complex – Lingelethu
- Preliminary Round – 01 May 2026
- Round 1 – 17 May 2026
- Round 2 – 24 May 2026
- Round 3 & Final Round – 08 June 2026
DURBAN | Hoy Park Sports Complex
- 23 – 24 May 2026
JOHANNESBURG | Wits Marks Park & Sturrock Park
- 13 – 16 June 2026
Details of this year’s Engen Knockout Challenge Tournament dates will be communicated in due course.
SUPPLIED.
