schoolsthatrock
The 2016 Under-17 Engen Knockout Challenge Bloemfontein media draw was conducted on Thursday, 23 June at Grey College in Bloemfontein.
Amongst the regional dignitaries’ attendance at the Media Draw was Engen’s Area Retail Manager Stanley Mosime, Lucas Matobako – SAFA regional, Dr Henk Boshoff – Grey College Governing Body, Deon Scheepers – Principal of Grey College, Miss Tlhakudi – Free State Director of Sport & Recreation and Mr Sekwena of SASFA.
Coaches of participating teams were also in attendance to witness the event and see who their Group stage opponents will be.
Engen’s Area Retail Manager Stanley Mosime said, “The Engen Knockout Challenge is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious tournament in South Africa having contributed immensely to the development of grassroots football over the years.
Since its inception more than 100 players have gone on to play their football at the highest level at home and abroad. In 2015, 11 players who played in the Engen Knockout Challenge were selected to play for South Africa in the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
The winners of the regional Engen Knockout Challenge tournaments will battle it out at the Engen Champs of Champs later this year.
This is where it all starts and Engen is delighted to be a part of the development of football at grassroots level. Your Future starts here”.
Deon Scheepers – Principal of Grey College spoke of Grey College’s pride to host the tournament over the last ten years.
He said, “Ten years ago when Grey College started as the host of the Engen Knockout Challenge Bloemfontein, we could never have imagined how this tournament has grown and benefited all our local players.
The Engen Knockout Challenge has provided a platform for our young aspiring footballers to launch their professional football careers. A perfect example is our 2016 Engen Knockout Challenge Bloemfontein Ambassador, Tshegofatso Mabaso who not too long ago played for and attended Grey College.
This what this tournament is all about, lifting the players from grassroots football and giving them an opportunity to play the game at professional level.”
The 2016 Engen Knockout Challenge Bloemfontein Ambassador, Tshegofatso Mabaso said, “I am privileged to be standing here today.
The Engen Knockout Challenge has opened many doors and has given me a number of opportunities since I have played in this tournament.
I first represented Grey College in the Engen Knockout Challenge as a fifteen year old and last year Mamelodi Sundowns scouted me at the 2015 Engen Knockout Challenge.
At the same time I was offered a trial at Bolton Wanderers, I chose to go to Bolton and that experience will live with me forever. I had learnt a lot and it helped me to lift the standard of my game.
On returning to South Africa, Bloemfontein Celtic offered me a PSL contract and since then I have played with and against some of the top players in the country.
I worked hard, was focused but most of all you have to be disciplined to achieve success.
My journey started at the Engen Knockout Challenge, followed by offers from Sundowns, Bolton and now Celtic. Now it’s your turn …”Your Journey Starts here”, concluded the 2016 EKOC Bloemfontein Ambassador, Tshegofatso Mabaso
The 2016 Engen Knockout Challenge Bloemfontein groups are as follows: –
Group A – Virginia Academy (ex – Harmony), Tsoseletso FC, Navalsig FC, HTS Louis Botha
Group B – Bloemfontein Celtic, Reginald Cingo, Royal Stars, FC Hodisa
Group C – Brebner, Thota Gauta, Thaba Nchu FC, Action Stars
Group D – Grey College, Roo Stars FC, Vulamasango, Junior Masters
Scouts from clubs across South Africa and abroad have been seen at the Engen Knockout Challenge tournaments, looking to find the next star player and this may be the year where the next gem is found.
Click on the link for fixtures and regulations:
ENGEN KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE DRAW EKOC FIXTURES AND REGULATIONS 2016
The dates for the regional stages of the 2016 Engen Knockout Challenge are as follows:
Port Elizabeth
Dates: – 01 – 03 July
Venue: – Gelvandale Sports Complex
Durban
Dates: – 08 – 10 July
Venue: – Moses Mabhida Stadium Sports Complex
Cape Town
Dates: – 15 – 17 July
Venue: – Parow Park Sports Complex
Bloemfontein
Dates: – 22 – 24 July
Venue: – Grey College Sports Complex
Johannesburg
Dates: – 29 – 31 July
Venue: – Marks Park Sports Complex
Don’t miss out on youth football at its best!
For more information visit: www.engen.co.za
–
Become a Sponsor
