The 2024 Engen Knockout Challenge got off to a flying start at the Erika Park Stadium in Cape Town, as teams kicked off their title ambitions of being crowned champions of the Western Cape and earn the right to represent the province at the Engen Champ of Champs later this year.
Cape Town Roses, who lifted the title in Cape Town last year kicked off their title defense with a resounding 3-0 win over Magic Ladies to go top of Group A.
In the other match of the day in the ladies' section, RV United fired a strong warning shot to its competitors with a commanding 8-0 win over Rygate United to storm to the top of Group B.
The action was equally exciting in the boys' section where tournament favourites, Cape Town City, Cape Town Spurs, Cape Ubuntu and defending champions Stellenbosch FC were all in action in the late afternoon ties.
It was a rather frustrating afternoon for the defending champions, as they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Hellenic.
Cape Town Spurs had to dig deep against a highly spirited Vasco Da Gama who held them at bay before a late strike saw Spurs earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Cape Town City closed off the opening day's fixtures with a high scoring match against Salt River FC which saw the Junior Citizens cruise to a comfortable 5-0 win.
Commenting on what has been a great start to the competition was Engen Knockout Challenge talent scout, Duncan Crowie who is also head coach of the SA U-17 Boys National Team.
"The exciting start to the competition proves just how much these players and coaches have been waiting to compete in South Africa's biggest youth football competition. The opening day has set up what promises to be an exciting and high scoring weekend of youth football action in both the boys and girls' section of the competition", said Crowie.
The SA U-17 national team coach is joined at the tournament by a team of scouts who are on the lookout for talent that will be profiled and kept under the Engen Sport radar.
The team of scouts in Cape Town includes former Bafana Bafana international Clayton Daniels, former Banyana Banyana striker, Jo-Anne Solomons as well as former Bay United and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Gareth Ncaca
For a full round up of Day 1 Results and Fixture for the day, CLICK HERE.
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