The 2026 edition of the Engen Champ of Champs is set to take place at the University of Pretoria’s High-Performance Centre (Tuks HPC) from October 2–4 , bringing together provincial champions from across South Africa in the Boys’ U18 and Girls’ U20 divisions.
Held under the theme “Where Diski Legends Start,” the tournament continues to provide a competitive platform for some of the country’s most promising young footballers, coaches and referees. Beyond the battle for national honours, the tournament creates an important pathway for young talent to be identified, developed and prepared for the next stage of their football careers.
Girls’ U20 draw
The Girls’ U20 division will feature nine provincial champions, divided into two groups:
Group A
Toti Ladies – KwaZulu-Natal
IXIAS Ladies – Free State
Mamelodi Sundowns – Gauteng
Mafikeng Ladies – North West
Royal Lizards – Northern Cape
Group B
RV United – Western Cape
Super Strikers – Mpumalanga
City Lads – Eastern Cape
Sisters FC – Limpopo
UJ Ladies lifted the 2025 Engen Champ of Champs U20 Women’s title after defeating Durban Ladies 1–0 in the final, however since they did not qualify this year a new champion will be crowned. With the tournament bringing together champions from all nine provinces, the 2026 edition promises an exciting showcase of emerging women's football talent as the next generation looks to make its mark on the national stage.
Engen Workshops to empower players and coaches beyond the pitch.
Beyond the football action, the Engen Champ of Champs Workshops will return on 1 October, following their successful introduction during last year’s tournament. The workshops form part of Engen’s continued commitment to the holistic development of young footballers and the coaches guiding them. The sessions are designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills while equipping them with valuable tools and perspectives that extend beyond the football field.
Speaking about the return of the workshops, Engen Brand and Sponsorship Manager Tsholo Tiro highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young players and coaches to develop throughout their football journeys.
“The Engen Champ of Champs is about more than competition. It is about creating opportunities for young players and coaches to grow and take the next step in their football journeys. We are excited to bring the workshops back this year and to continue investing in the development of the next generation, both on and off the field,” said Tiro.
This year’s workshops will be led by Engen Sport Ambassadors Thabo Senong and Brighton Mhlongo, who will share their experience and expertise with participating players and coaches. Senong will bring his experience as an accomplished football coach, while former professional goalkeeper Mhlongo will offer insights from his playing career and experience within the professional game.
They will be joined by Candice Chirwa, a menstrual health advocate and educator, who will focus on the importance of menstrual education and creating greater support for female athletes during their monthly cycles.
The inclusion of these sessions highlights the broader purpose of the Engen Champ of Champs providing young footballers with opportunities to develop not only as athletes, but also as individuals who are better prepared for the demands of their sporting and personal journeys.
With the workshops preceding the tournament action, the 1–4 October programme at Tuks HPC will offer a combination of education, development and competition under this year's theme, “Where Diski Legends Start.”
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