Challenge Cup champs crowned

Habitual tournament winners, Gugulethu’s Cape Town Roses cemented their dominance in the Engen Knockout Challenge girls’ under-20 division when they beat RV United 2-0, at Erica Park, in Belhar, on Sunday to claim a historic fourth consecutive title.

- FUAD ESACK

In the boys under-18 section, former champions and last year's losing finalists, Cape Town City FC, beat debutants Eagles Performance Academy (EPA) 3-1 to lift the trophy.

With the Cape leg of the competition done and dusted, Roses and City will now fly the flag for the Mother City at the competition's national championships in October.

Newcomers EPA also made their mark at this year's edition, with Eagles striker Jack Kiewiet named the tournament’s top goalscorer, and under-18 coach Shamieg Mc Laurie collecting the coach-of-the-tournament award.

Hanover Park born and bred, Mc Laurie knows a thing or two about getting the best out of his young chargers, having been involved with every aspect of the game and organising several successful overseas soccer tours in recent years.

A well-travelled player, Mc Laurie has had stints as a junior with Stephanians Ottery, Avendale, Ajax Cape Town, and in the ABC Motsepe League with Baltic Rangers/ Glendene United.