CAPE TOWN – It has been a memorable year for Gareth Ncaca’s Antalyaspor JPM CT side, who capped off an impressive campaign by emerging victorious in the 2026 Engen Knockout Challenge.
The Cape Town outfit lifted the Under-18 Boys’ title after a superb display at Erica Park in Belhar on Sunday, further cementing their status as one of the province’s leading youth football teams.
Earlier this year, in April, Antalyaspor JPM CT were also crowned Bayhill Premier Cup champions after an outstanding run in the prestigious youth tournament.
The finals finally went ahead this Sunday, four weeks after severe weather forced a postponement of the tournament late in June in the interest of player, official, and spectator safety.
The tournament’s final day opened with third-place ties with Cape Town City and Dangerous Heroes both taking home bronze medals in the boys’ and girls’ divisions, respectively.
In the Boys’ final, Antalyaspor defeated national champions Ubuntu Football Academy 5-4 on penalties after a spectacular 1-1 stalemate in regular time to win their first Engen Knockout Challenge title.
On their road to the final, Antalyaspor downed Cape Town City 2-0 in the semifinal, while Ubuntu defeated SAFA Cape Town Academy on penalties after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
Meanwhile, in the women’s edition, RV United also made history, ending Cape Town Roses’ four-year dominance to claim the Under-20 girls’ crown.
Both Antalyaspor JPM CT and RV United have booked their spots in the Engen Champ of Champs set to take place in Gauteng later this year.
