During the week of July 18–20, the Academy proudly participated in the Gauteng Engen Challenge U18 – 2025. After progressing through the highly competitive first phase of the Engen tournament—where over 120 teams competed—only eight teams qualified. APAA was one of them.
In the final tournament, we were placed in a challenging group alongside TS Galaxy, Johannesburg City FC, and Kaizer Chiefs. Each group contained four teams, with a total of eight qualified academies and eight PSL-affiliated teams.
It was a tough group.
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Our first match ended in a 0–0 draw against Johannesburg City FC.
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In our second match, we lost narrowly, 1–0 to TS Galaxy.
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Our third match was another close contest, where we lost 1–0 to Kaizer Chiefs.
Although we did not secure a win, the competition was a valuable experience for our players’ development. The coaching staff, led by Coach Lesego, was exceptional—each match was well-prepared and strategically executed.
The players demonstrated noticeable progress with each game, which is an encouraging sign. These high-level tournaments provide players with the opportunity to analyse their performance, test their skills, and grow in confidence and ability.
All three matches were intense and tightly contested, as reflected in the close scorelines. While we did not walk away with victories, we certainly gained valuable insights and experience that will help us continue improving. Player performances varied—some stood out, others showed potential that will no doubt grow with time.
The Engen Challenge is currently the top youth football competition in South Africa. Families, football fans, and even legendary former players came out to support and celebrate the beautiful game. The atmosphere was electric, and the competition offered a platform where several players caught the attention of attending scouts—another important highlight of this event.
Congratulations to our APAA players for their performance. They showcased their talent, and I believe they have even more to offer. It’s important to note that our squad consisted of players aged 15, 16, and 17, competing in a tournament meant for U18s—making their efforts even more commendable.
To the coaching staff—Coaches Lesego, Velly, Khethu, and Lonwabo—as well as the families and supporters who stood by us throughout the games: thank you.
And finally, congratulations to Engen for organising and sponsoring such a fantastic, nationally recognised tournament.
Stay connected and continue reading our updates.
Warm greetings to all soccer fans.
Yours in football,
Professor Augusto Palacios
Director – APAA
