Chippa United u/18 side and City Lads Ladies u/20 were crowned champions of the Engen Knockout Challenge over the weekend in the final of the Eastern Cape leg of the one-day tournament.
The two Gqeberha-based sides dominated the tournament hosted by SAFA Chris Hani in Komani at the Dampy Adams Sports Complex.
Chippa made their intentions clear early on as they won their first game against home side Maria Louw High School by 3-0 to book a place in the final against Red Lions FC also from Gqeberha. The final ended with a 1-all draw and two teams had to be separated by penalties, Chippa winning by 4-2.
In the ladies’ section, City Lads Ladies crushed Komani’s Phoenix Birds Ladies 3-1 to book a place in the national Champ of Champs later in the year.
The Head Coach of City Lads Ladies Nomaxabiso Manto said the win will go a long way as they beaten a side that is playing the Provincial Women’s League (Sasol Women’s League).
“This is a huge win for these girls, and I am happy for them. We are playing in the Regional Women’s League in the Nelson Mandela Bay Region, so beating a team that is campaigning in the Provincial League is a huge boost for us,” said Manto.
Chippa United Development Head Coach Bruce July who also doubled up as First Team Assistant Coach to Daine Klate, was happy with the talent that was displayed but was not happy with the proceedings of the tournament.
Chippa United and City Lads Ladies will now prepare to face other provincial winners in the Champ of Champs later in the year for the national title of the Engen Knockout Challenge. The national winner will then go overseas to represent South Africa.
