Engen Knockout Challenge ticks boxes for youth development

After events in Cape Town, Gqeberha and Durban, the Gauteng leg of the youth tournament took place over the weekend at the Marks Park Grounds in Johannesburg where hundreds of talented youngsters, male and female, showcased their skills.

The competition is now in its second decade and this time around attracted the likes of Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis and former Bafana Bafana mentor Pitso Mosimane.

Tiro says the tournament plays a huge role in the country.

"We do think that it plays a big role in the football development landscape in South Africa. We've seen over the years the importance that the clubs themselves, you know the professional clubs place on this tournament and that gives us the credence to say this is the tournament that is important," Tiro said.

"Over the years we've also seen coaches, I mean this weekend we've had the privilege of having Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis here with us and she's given us some great insights in terms of why it's important for her to come to the tournament and look at the young players that come through year in, year out and looking for talent.”

READ: Kaizer Chiefs regain Gauteng Engen Knockout Challenge title

She also says this is the tournament she also uses to gauge level of play across the country and also scout for certain players that might make it in the Banyana ranks in the next couple of players."

Tiro says that while football is one aspect of the activities they offer, they also cater empower the youth when it comes to education.

"Engen as an organisation is very focused on youth and this is just one avenue where we are getting involved and giving a platform to the youth to develop themselves. We get involved in other avenues, we've got a very entrenched educational platform, the Engen Maths and Science,” she added.

“So, knowing how important it is to young people's development, it was important for the company to also develop a platform that supports the sporting aspiration and Engen Knockout Challenge over the last two decades has just done that. It's given the platform to young people who have taken the opportunities to empower themselves, not just on the field but beyond the field as well."