Latest news with #EngenKnockoutChallenge
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Phiri shares views on youth football development
BAFANA Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri attendend the Gauteng leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge. | Supplied French-based Bafana Bafana midfielder and Engen Knockout Challenge graduate Lebogang Phiri recently made a powerful return to the tournament that helped shape his career. Phiri spent some time engaging with players, watching matches, and reflecting on the impact of grassroots football. 'This is not just another youth tournament. I don't think people always realise the gravity of it,' said Phiri. 'Tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge are whereyou get the next top talents and future big-name players. "It's where players learn to handle pressure, build big-match temperament, and get exposed to the type of support and attention that prepares them for the next level. "If a young player approaches this platform with the right mindset, it can change their career.' As someone who rose through the same ranks, Phiri understands the environment better than most. Beyond the on-field action, he emphasised the off-field growth players experience. 'The pressure is high, and the expectations are real and because of that, players learn respect, discipline, and great sportsmanship," said Phiri. "These are qualities you don't always get from just training or league matches. This kind of environment shapes you in every way as a footballer.' His presence at the Gauteng playoffs underscored the 2025 campaign theme 'It's Your Moment, Future Diski Legends', serving as a living example of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. Phiri's message to the next generation was clear: make this moment count, because the path to greatness often starts with a platform like the Engen Knockout Challenge.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league
Total Football Excellence (TFE) midfielder maestro Reatlegile Manamela said he looks forward to playing in the Safa Hollywoodbets Regional League. Nicknamed 'Maestro', the versatile midfielder who can play as a central defensive midfielder (CDM) or central attacking midfielder (CAM) was inspired by talented Spanish anchor Sergio Busquets. Read more: Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools excited to announce its Midrand branch development From Noordwyk, Manamela (18) said he plays more like Vítor Machado Ferreira, popularly known as Vitinha. 'I play CDM and CAM… I joined TFE through the Engen Knockout Challenge last year, in June,' said Manamela. He added his dream is to play in one of the big leagues overseas. Manamela is a Grade 11 learner at the Crowthorne-based Midland International School, formerly Midland Primary and High School. He said now that they will be playing in the Safa Hollywood Regional League, he would love for his team to finish in the top 3. 'Locally, my favourite player is Relebogile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates because he plays the game with passion and his proof that hard work pays off. And internationally, I would say Vitinha. I just love the way he controls the game.'. Manamela said his nickname came from his friends while they were playing street football and thought he was just too good. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Lebogang Phiri open to Kaizer Chiefs move after European spell
However, discussions with Amakhosi were put on hold due to the team's pre-season tour of the Netherlands. Lebogang Phiri during the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge at Marks Park Sports Club, in Johannesburg on 18 July 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri is open to a move to Kaizer Chiefs, with the club believed to have made initial contact regarding his availability. Phiri, currently a free agent, returned to South Africa after his contract ended with French Ligue 2 side Guingamp at the end of last season. However, discussions with Amakhosi were put on hold due to the team's pre-season tour of the Netherlands. ALSO READ: Chiefs coach optimistic about new season after Netherlands camp While the 30-year-old has attracted overseas interest, he is said to be eager to finally play in the Betway Premiership, with Chiefs among the local sides monitoring his situation. In the meantime, Phiri is keeping himself fit on his own and lending a hand at his father's amateur club in Alexandra township, as he considers his next move. The midfielder left South Africa as a teenager to join Danish giants Brøndby from the Bidvest Wits youth system, and has spent the entirety of his senior career abroad. ALSO READ: Ouaddou hopes Spain victory will boost Pirates confidence His European journey has seen him play in Denmark, France, and Turkey including a stint with Çaykur Rizespor in the Turkish Süper Lig that proved less fruitful, before returning to France with Paris FC and later rejoining Guingamp.
TimesLIVE
19-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Ex-Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri impressed with quality at Engen Knockout Challenge
Former Bafana midfielder Lebogang Phiri is impressed with the talent on display in the Gauteng leg of the Engen Knockout Challenge under way at Marks Park Sports Ground in Johannesburg. Phiri, who played in the tournament in his youth, said it has had a positive impact on many players with some of them going on to play for Bafana Bafana like him. 'This is not just another youth tournament, and I don't think people realise the gravity of it,' said Phiri who plays for Guingamp in Ligue 2 in France. 'Tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge are where you get the next top talents and future big-name players. It's where players learn to handle pressure, build big-match temperament. 'This is where players get exposed to the type of support and attention that prepares them for the next level. If a young player approaches this platform with the right mindset, it can change their career.' Phiri also spoke about the intensity and competitiveness of the tournament. 'The pressure is high, expectations are real and because of that, players learn respect, discipline, and great sportsmanship. These are qualities you don't always get from just training or league matches. This kind of environment shapes you in every way as a footballer.'
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Bafana Bafana international Lebogang Phiri shares his views on youth development
As a former participant turned professional, Lebogang Phiri's return to the tournament reinforces the 2025 theme 'It's Your Moment, Future Diski Legends', encouraging current players to seize the opportunity in front of them. Image: Supplied Day One of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg kicked off today at Wits Marks Park Sports Ground, with top under-18 boys' and under-20 girls' teams beginning their journey toward provincial glory and a place in the Engen Champ of Champs. Among those in attendance was French-based Bafana Bafana midfielder and Engen Knockout Challenge graduate Lebogang Phiri, who spent the day engaging with players, watching matches, and reflecting on the impact of the tournament. 'This is not just another youth tournament, I don't think people always realise the gravity of it,' said Phiri. 'Tournaments like the Engen Knockout Challenge are where you get the next top talents and future big-name players. It's where players learn to handle pressure, build big-match temperament, and get exposed to the type of support and attention that prepares them for the next level. If a young player approaches this platform with the right mindset, it can change their career.' Reflecting further, Phiri noted that the intensity and competitiveness of the tournament also bring valuable lessons beyond the pitch. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'The pressure is high, and the expectations are real, and because of that, players learn respect, discipline, and great sportsmanship. These are qualities you don't always get from just training or league matches. This kind of environment shapes you in every way as a footballer.' As a former participant turned professional, Phiri's return to the tournament reinforces the 2025 theme 'It's Your Moment, Future Diski Legends', encouraging current players to seize the opportunity in front of them. With a strong turnout of supporters, tightly contested matches, and growing excitement on the ground, the opening day sets the tone for a thrilling weekend ahead. The Gauteng leg continues through to Sunday, 20 July, with provincial champions set to be crowned and earn the honour of representing the province at the prestigious Engen Champ of Champs
