Engen Knockout Challenge Johannesburg Draw Sets Stage for Exciting U20 Ladies Tournament

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The countdown to the Engen Knockout Challenge(EKOC) Johannesburg is officially on after the completion of the U20 Ladies draw, with some of Gauteng's biggest football institutions set to battle for regional supremacy from 17–19 July 2026 at Marks Park Sports Club.

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Widely regarded as one of South Africa's most prestigious youth football tournaments, the EKOC continues to play a pivotal role in developing the country's future stars. The annual competition has become a launchpad for numerous players who have gone on to represent clubs in the Hollywoodbets Super League and the South African national teams.

This year's draw has produced several intriguing group-stage encounters, promising three days of competitive football featuring academies, universities and established club sides.

Group A is arguably the tournament's toughest pool, with Mamelodi Sundowns FC headlining a competitive quartet that includes SAFA Academy, the University of Johannesburg, and Rosina Sedibane Sports School. Sundowns, renowned for their dominance in women's football, will face stern tests against three sides eager to upset one of the country's most successful development programmes.

Group B promises another exciting contest as Kaizer Chiefs Ladies, Mamelodi XI Stars, TUT FC, and Springs Home Sweepers battle for qualification. With every team possessing quality and ambition, fans can expect fiercely contested matches from the opening whistle.

In Group C, football supporters will be treated to an exciting university rivalry as Wits University FC and the University of Pretoria lock horns, while JVW FC, one of South Africa's leading women's football development clubs, enters the tournament as one of the favourites to progress deep into the competition.

Group D features TS Galaxy Queens, Future Stars Ladies, and Panorama Ladies, with all three teams determined to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Every point will be vital in what is expected to be a closely contested group.

As excitement builds ahead of the tournament, Marks Park is set to host some of the country's most talented young female footballers. Beyond competing for the Johannesburg title, players will have the opportunity to impress scouts, coaches and selectors, with the Engen Knockout Challenge continuing to serve as an important pathway to elite football.

With balanced groups, traditional rivals and rising stars all set to feature, the 2026 Johannesburg edition promises another memorable chapter in the history of the EKOC. Football fans can look forward to an action-packed weekend as the next generation of South African women's football talent takes centre stage.








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