We need more of these youth tournaments – SA Youth coach

Khumalo, along with his Kaizer Chiefs colleagues, where he is the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) Head Coach, was at Marks Parks recently to witness Amakhosi claim the 2024 Gauteng leg of the tournament, as they defeated archrivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. Khumalo says he is excited by what he saw overall.

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''I must indicate that I am happy and perhaps one must acknowledge what Engen is doing for our youth, this is elite football. This is also good for SAFA, as you can see our national coaches come here to scout for players, this is a good platform for our youth football,'' said Khumalo. 

Khumalo says the tournament was a perfect mirror that the future of youth football in South Africa looks very bright.

 ''For instance, in the Kaizer Chiefs team, we had five players that are part of the U17 national team and they were playing for Engen. I have seen SuperSport and a lot of teams that are having U17 national team players, which is good for our development,'' added Khumalo.

Khumalo adds that post an activity like the Engen Knockout Challenge, it is crucial that the players continue getting game time at their various clubs.

He gave the organisers a thumbs up, adding that the tournament was a perfect platform to help them identify youth national team players. He would like to see more of these competitions.

CAF and FIFA have decided that the U17 Men’s and Women’s World Cup tournaments will be held every year from 2025, and Khumalo says it provides more chances for other nations to also qualify, but preparations will be key.