AmaZulu FC Under-17 head coach Philani Shange says he learned valuable lessons during the Engen Knockout Challenge after guiding his team to the KZN regional title.
Following a flawless campaign at Durban’s Kings Park Outer Field, where they won all their matches, Usuthu will now represent the province at the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs national finals.
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The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 1–4, 2026, at the TUKS High Performance Centre in Pretoria.
AmaZulu’s path to glory began with a group-stage walkover when uMkhanyakude Academy failed to arrive on time, followed by a victory over Future Stars to top their group.
Usuthu then edged out Durban City in the quarterfinals and Midlands Wanderers in the semifinals, before defeating Trouble Tigers in the final.
Shange noted that reclaiming the Engen title—which the club last lifted in 2023—was their primary target this year.
Having played for Usuthu back in 2014, Shange returned to the club in a coaching capacity in 2025 and has already made a massive impact in developing the next generation of talent.
“It’s a good experience, it was the second time that I was in involved in it,” said Shange.
“Last year, I was an assistant coach, but I believe one learnt a lot from the last year’s tournament.
“In January, when we opened this year, the Engen Tournament was our main target, to win it.
“I’m happy for the club, for the boys, even more as a coach, I got to grow, I also learnt a lot from the opponents.”
Shange is hopeful that the club will in due course promote the youngsters who showcased their talents during the competition.
“For me, it’s up to the club [to promote them], we did work to prepare the boys to succeed in this tournament,” he added.
“For me as a development coach, to see the young boy I coached going into the first team, it would be a win for me even if I would have not won. So, I believe that the club will do promote the boys.”
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