Gritty northern areas outfit Apex United were the surprise winners of the PE Engen Knockout Challenge at the Errol Haynes field on Sunday.
In the finals of the tournament which started on Friday, United beat Addo Football Academy 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1. In the playoffs for third and fourth, PE Sundowns beat Bush Bucks.
Formed as recently as 2014, Apex bagged their maiden tournament victory despite starting with two goalless d raws.
They showed true grit, especially in the final, where they came from 1-0 down to draw level and go on to win on penalties, with goalkeeper Reagan Steenberg playing a starring role.
Runners-up Addo, spearheaded by the player of the tournament, Simnikiwe Mbonde, put on their best showing in the quarterfinals, thrashing hosts and favourites Glenville Celtic 5-1.
Daine Klate, South Africa’s most decorated footballer with six PSL championship medals and eight other domestic trophies, started his career with Glenville.
He lauded Engen for giving the youngsters a platform to showcase their talent.
Speaking at the tournament, Klate said the stars that had come out of Gelvandale were proof of how much talent lies in the area.
“We used to live at these fields. We used to play for the schools and clubs every weekend,” Klate said.
“Opportunities are very important and the Engen Knockout Challenge creates the opportunity for some scouts to find this talent.
“The coach who took me to SuperSport [Kwanele Kopo] was here, so too was Mandla Mazibuko from the School of Excellence and Bafana July on behalf of Wits.
“The players then have a chance to be placed in proper institutions and to get into academies.
This is the age group that is going to feed the Multichoice Diski Challenge teams, which is important.”
Engen focuses on both educational and football development of youngsters, something that ensures the next generation of football stars can start their journey equipped with valuable life skills.
Engen representative Kholiswa Maramba said: “Without these tournaments, we cannot have future Daine Klates.
“Sport and education speak to the youth. After sport, we need engineers and business people, and in my view, you cannot separate sport and education.”
After the Port Elizabeth leg the tournament moves on to Durban (July 13-15), Bloemfontein (July 20-22) and eventually Johannesburg (July 27-29).Special awards:
Referee of the tournament – Cheslin Plaatjies,
Defender of the tournament – Anele Mvebe (PE Sundowns)
Midfielder of the tournament – Thobelani Msebi (Young Ideas),
Top goal scorer of the tournament – Ayanda Tuko (NMU),
Goalkeeper of the tournament – Reagan Steenberg (Apex),
Coach of the tournament – Chadlee Dixon (Bush Bucks ).
Fair play team of the tournament – Thornhill United,
Player of the tournament – Simnikiwe Mbonde (Addo Football Youth Academy).