Latest news with #EngenKnockoutChallengeGauteng
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
The Star
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Former Pirates keeper Brighton Mhlongo & coach Thabo Senong encouraged by scouts on the ground at Gauteng leg of Engen KOC
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are among the top performers at the Engend KOC. | Supplied DAY two of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg is underway at Wits Marks Park Sports Ground, and the tournament continues to attract scouts and technical teams from some of the country's top clubs all keeping a close eye on the rising talent on display. Tournament ambassadors Brighton Mhlongo and Coach Thabo Senong expressed how encouraging it is to see experienced football professionals dedicating their time to support and guide the next generation. 'This tournament has always been about giving young players a chance to be seen and supported,' says Mhlongo. 'Seeing people from different clubs here, showing interest and giving these players just a portion of their time it reminds us why platforms like this matter. These are the moments that can shape a player's journey.'
IOL News
18-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Former Pirates keeper Brighton Mhlongo & coach Thabo Senong encouraged by scouts on the ground at Gauteng leg of Engen KOC
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are among the top performers at the Engend KOC. | Supplied DAY two of the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge Gauteng leg is underway at Wits Marks Park Sports Ground, and the tournament continues to attract scouts and technical teams from some of the country's top clubs all keeping a close eye on the rising talent on display. Tournament ambassadors Brighton Mhlongo and Coach Thabo Senong expressed how encouraging it is to see experienced football professionals dedicating their time to support and guide the next generation. 'This tournament has always been about giving young players a chance to be seen and supported,' says Mhlongo. 'Seeing people from different clubs here, showing interest and giving these players just a portion of their time it reminds us why platforms like this matter. These are the moments that can shape a player's journey.'
