Potch Academy FC Ready to Shine at Engen Champ of Champs 2025

Tshepiso Mogorosi
Oct 8
2 min read

Potch Academy FC is gearing up to represent North West Province with pride at the highly anticipated Engen Champ of Champs 2025, taking place from 10 to 12 October 2025 at the High Performance Centre in Koedoespoort, Pretoria.

The tournament, organized under the banner of Engen Sports, will see some of the best U18 boys’ teams from across South Africa battling for national supremacy. Potch Academy FC, drawn in Group B, will face tough competition against Cape Town City FC, Kusekhaya Football Academy, and Chippa United FC.

Rising Stars from Potchefstroom

Potch Academy FC, based in the football-loving town of Potchefstroom, has steadily built a reputation for nurturing young talent through disciplined training and a focus on holistic player development. The team’s philosophy centers around technical excellence, teamwork, and tactical intelligence, qualities that will be crucial as they step onto one of the biggest youth football stages in the country.

Head coach Tefo "Papi" Lekopa expressed excitement ahead of the tournament, noting that participation in the Engen Champ of Champs is both an honor and a challenge.

The Road to Pretoria

Potch Academy earned their spot in the Champ of Champs after impressive performances in the regional qualifiers, where they showcased resilience, creativity, and sharp attacking play. Their journey reflects the growing football culture in Potchefstroom, where youth development initiatives are producing players capable of competing on national and even international levels.

Group B: A Battle of Titans

Group B is set to deliver fireworks, featuring teams with professional affiliations and established youth systems. Potch Academy will need to be at their tactical best to secure progression into the knockout stages. Matches against powerhouses like Cape Town City and Chippa United promise to be thrilling encounters that test the team’s depth and determination.

Community Pride and Support

The Potchefstroom community has rallied behind the young team, with local fans, schools, and sports organizations expressing immense pride in their achievement. The academy’s participation in the tournament not only puts the town on the national football map but also inspires other aspiring players across the province.

About the Tournament

The Engen Champ of Champs is one of South Africa’s premier youth football events, bringing together regional champions from the Engen Knockout Challenge series. Over the years, the tournament has been a launchpad for some of the country’s brightest football talents, many of whom have gone on to play in the DStv Premiership and even abroad.