If Safa permits them to expand the Eastern Cape leg of the tournament towards Mthatha and other parts of the province, they will oblige, the custodians of the Engen Knockout Challenge said.
The provincial leg has been held in Nelson Mandela Bay for many years, but officials have decided to move it to Buffalo City for the first time in its history as rotation.
The 2025 edition of the regional tournament will be hosted at Dale College in Qonce on July 26 and 27.
The draw took place at the Kennaway Hotel in East London on Tuesday, and was attended by Fifa talent coach Thabo Senong and former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo.
“We would love to visit all places in the Eastern Cape [including Mthatha], if possible,” Engen communications manager Gavin Smith said.
“We have been hosting the tournament in Gqeberha, but we heard the calls from the footballing community to move it to East London because it was easier and accessible to a number of teams.
“There is always the potential, if it makes sense to all the stakeholders, and if we have the blessing of Safa.”
eBhayi and Nav Galaxy were crowned the 2024 winners and represented the province in the knockout stages in Gauteng.
The defending champions, Galaxy, will be in Group D of the competition in 2025, together with Blackpool and Buffalo Stars Ladies.
The East London teams would have some home ground advantage when they kicked off in Qonce, Senong said, highlighting the importance of taking the tournament to new places.
“It’s vital for platforms like the Engen Knockout Challenge to reach different parts of the country.
“By moving into King William’s Town [Qonce], we open the door to players with talent who just need the right platform. It’s how we grow South African football.”
Mhlongo said it was important, in terms of working towards gender equality in football, for the tournament to be moved around the province.
The draw includes:
Girls
Group A: Caledonian, Maivuke, Phoenix Birds Ladies
Group B: Coastal United Ladies, Golden Stars, City Lads
Group C: Shakes 1on1, Ebhayi, WSU BCC
Group D: Blackpool Ladies FC, Nav-Galaxy Ladies, Buffalo Stars Ladies
Boys
Group A: Malcomess Secondary School, Braelyn Brothers, Maria Louw High School
Group B: Chippa United, United Professional, City Strikers
Group C: Matshona Young Stars, Red Lions, Real Aces
Daily Dispatch
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