Chippa the team to watch in U17 Challenge

WITH defending champions Shining Stars failing to make it through the 124-team qualifying tournament, a new champion will be crowned at the Engen U17 Knockout Challenge, which kicks off at the Gelvandale fields tomorrow.

Speaking at the launch earlier this month, Safa Nelson Mandela Bay vice-president Clive Killian said it was heartbreaking to watch the Fifa World Cup without a South African team.

“The question now is, are we ready for 2022?

“There is a national Vision 2022 document, which intends to get us ready for the Qatar tournament and further on from it, so that we can play in every other Fifa World Cup.”

Engen Knockout Challenge ambassador Daine Klate, the Premier Soccer League’s most decorated player, who started his soccer career at Glenville, echoed the sentiments and lamented the lack of proper facilities.

“This is where it all started for me,” Klate said.

“I have been [in Port Elizabeth] for a few weeks and have been actively involved in a lot of football.

“We are [doing] our best to make a difference and hopefully [with] me being here, I can make a difference.

“In my teens, I would look forward to match day Saturdays – we need to change the grounds not for the World Cup but for the boys to look forward to their Saturdays.

“This environment Engen is creating is the perfect example – there will be advertising boards, flags and banners that create an atmosphere during the tournament.”

Chippa United, who won in 2016, are again the team to watch.

But they could face stiff competition from Group A rivals and hosts Glenville Celtic, as well as Bush Bucks Academy and Real White City.

PE Sundowns should also be in the mix.