Reigning champions Stellenbosch FC are set to get their Engen Champ of Champs title defence underway in Johannesburg on Friday.

Having retained the provincial Engen Knockout Challenge title earlier this year, Stellenbosch FC have traveled to Jo’burg to compete in the Engen Champ of Champs for the second season in a row and will be looking to make it back-to-back triumphs in the competition.

“It goes without saying, all of us, especially the players are very much looking forward to the trip,” Jean-Pierre Farrugia, the head of Stellies’ youth academy, said ahead of the tournament.

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“It’s been a long time coming, the regional tournament happened at the start of June, but we are looking forward to competing in the nationals for a second year in a row.  It’s very rare that a team gets to defend their title and we are one of very few teams to have had that privilege.

“It will be very challenging, with a lot of new pressures the players have to endure, such as new fields and new teams, all of the media, and the hype. It is a great learning opportunity for all the players involved to experience a more professional level of the game.

“We will do our very best to retain and defend our title and I believe we have a squad that is able to go out and do it, and if not, that it will at least be an enjoyable experience with only positive memories and no regrets.”

The Stellenbosch FC squad for the Engen Champ of Champs:

Goalkeepers:
Nathan Langeveldt
Tristan Miller

Defenders:
Tyler Cicero
Roger Willemse
Alizwa Thomas
Joshua Bailey
Jordan Hendriks
Cade Gordon
Luthando Vena

Midfielders:
Hayden Adams
Clayton Leonard
Azasakhe Luthango (C)
Keanu Toutie
Sinegugu Mgoduka

Forwards:
Jean Topley
Quwan Plaatjies
Zaydee Marang
Xavier Slinger
Jeromeo Pietersen
Curtlee Kerwil

The Young Maroons will kick off their run in this year’s competition against Galeshewe on Friday the 27th of September 2024 at 10h30. Then, on Saturday, the team will face Juventus at 09h00 and Ebenezer at 12h00, with the aim of advancing to the latter stages.

All matches can be watched live on the SuperSport Schools platform.