Two-time reigning champions Stellenbosch FC will look to defend their crown when the Engen Knockout Challenge gets underway on Friday, while the club’s Ladies team are also set to make their debut at this year’s tournament.

Following a weather-enforced postponement, the Western Cape Engen Knockout Challenge is set to get underway this weekend, where Stellenbosch FC will be represented in both the men’s and women’s sections of the tournament.

Stellies’ Young Maroons, who were crowned champions in both the 2023 and 2024 editions of the EKOC, will be looking to complete a remarkable three-peat and will make the short trip to Erica Park with a strong 20-man squad:

Latest news | Lee Langeveldt pens new Stellenbosch FC contract

Stellenbosch FC Boys squad:

No. 1 – Nathan Langeveldt
No. 3 – Aqeel Mushfieldt
No. 4 – Rafael Costa Da Silva
No. 5 – Hayden Adams
No. 6 – Alizwa Thomas
No. 7 – Leathan Davids
No. 8 – Luthando Vena
No. 9 – Done Poole
No. 10 – Clayon Leonard
No. 11 – Sinegugu Mgoduka
No. 12 – Aviwe Ndevu
No. 13 – Ayabonga Moloi
No. 14 – Jordan Hendriks
No. 15 – Abdus Sataar Williams
No. 16 – Tristan Miller
No. 17 – Roger Willemse
No. 18 – Safsanco Olkers
No. 19 – Liyakanya Sambane
No. 20 – Curtlee Kerwil
No. 21 – Ronaldo Adams
Head coach – Jean-Pierre Farrugia
Assistant coach – Roger Cupido
Assistant coach – Thulani Mapoyi
Team manager – Morne Crumpton

Latest news | Langeveldt: I know how special Stellenbosch FC is

Stellenbosch FC’s boys have been drawn in Group C alongside District Six FC (Friday, 11 July 2025 at 11h00), Norway Parks FC (Friday, 11 July 2025 at 16h00), and De Novo United (Saturday, 12 July 2025 at 11h30).

“This is a very important tournament for us as a group and for the club, and we have a proud recent history as the two-time defending champions,” coach Jean-Pierre Farrugia said.

“We’re really looking forward to finally getting underway. It was supposed to kick off two weeks ago, but was postponed due to the heavy rains. However, the boys are in good spirits and worked really hard during a time when they should have been on holiday, so hopefully that bodes well for us.

“From a coaching perspective, we really just want a positive tournament from a performance point of view, and hopefully in terms of results as well. We know it significantly benefits the players in their career paths and is a platform to continue showcasing what Stellenbosch FC is all about at a youth level.

“This is a premier-level tournament, and easily one of the most challenging ones to compete in, so we’re incredibly grateful that Engen continues to hold these events.

“We want to do ourselves and the club proud. We feel well prepared, but we’ll only know how well prepared come the first game, but hopefully the next interview we give will be on Sunday with big smiles on our faces.”

The Ladies team, meanwhile, will take on defending champions Cape Town Roses (Friday, 11 May 2025 at 08h00), HUFC (Friday, 11 July 2025 at 12h00), and Magic Ladies (Saturday, 12 July 2025 at 09h30) in Group A of the women’s section.

Stellenbosch FC Ladies squad:

No. 1 – Holly Gerber
No. 3 – Vaneshree Meiring
No. 8 – Zara Grill
No. 11 – Cameron Carolissen
No. 12 – Siena Green
No. 15 – Lelethu Silenge
No. 16 – Mia Heneke
No. 18 – Ashley Meiring
No. 19 – Tadiwanasshe Mwamuka
No. 21 – Luna November
No. 23 – Lethuthando Mthembu
No. 26 – Mckenzie Erasmus
No. 29 – Christen Davids
No. 34 – Leigh Kleinsmith
No. 35 – Amber Newman
No. 37 – Azuzile Magqaka
No. 39 – Erin Carstens
No. 44 – Razia Maarman
Coach – Nathan Peskin
Coach – Ilze Jones
Maager – Christelene Jantjies
Strength & Conditioning coach – Kristen Block