The Mamelodi Sundowns development youngsters are gearing up for the 2024 Engen Knockout Challenge, which takes centre stage from 5th to the 7th of July 2024 at Wits Markspark in Emmerentia. The team consists of four groups for the group stages which will kick-off on Friday morning.
The U19 boys, coached by coach Surprise Moriri, have been placed in Men’s Group D alongside Wits University, TS Galaxy and Meadowlands Academy, while the U19 girls, coached by coach Andisiwe Mgcoyi have been placed in Ladies’ Group D, alongside Randburg AFC, Kempton Park Ladies and Blue Birds Ladies.
As coach Surprise looked ahead to what will be a mouthwatering tournament, he firmly backed his side to emerge victorious and retain the title, after finishing the previous season without a defeat. He however affirmed that it wouldn’t be easy.
“We had enough time to prepare for the tournament. During these school holidays, they have only had a week of rest and the rest of the holiday was dedicated to preparations, so I am confident with the squad. It’s obviously not going to be easy to achieve our objectives, especially in a cup competition like the Engen Knockout Challenge. Cup games have their own dynamics, also considering that we will be playing 25 minutes in each half, making the match shorter. So, we have to be as clinical as possible. It will also be vital that everyone understands that they have a role to play the whole weekend,” coach Surprise stated.
After their exit in the semifinal last year, Coach Andisiwe’s side will look to redeem themselves and lift the silverware at this year’s prestigious development tournament. She believes that the lessons from last year, the work and effort they have put in preparing, together with the talent in the team, can help them surpass that performance at the weekend.
“The tournament presents a new challenge for the players as the league we play for is not as challenging for them. The competition is not an easy one but if we fight twice as hard this year, we can come back as the new title holders of the competition. Things will obviously be done differently this time around. We will need to score as many goals as we can and not settle for one or two goals. I believe that if we can do that, and also not undermine our opponents, we will be able to win,” she highlighted.
The Club wishes the development boys and girls a successful campaign ahead.
