WHERE DISKI LEGENDS START: LESSONS BEYOND THE PITCH AT ENGEN CHAMP OF CHAMPS
The journey to becoming a footballer is rarely defined by what happens on the pitch alone. At the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs, young players and coaches were reminded that becoming a future diski legend takes more than talent, goals and trophies. It requires resilience, knowledge, self-awareness and a commitment to continuous growth.
As part of this year’s tournament, Engen once again brought together players and coaches for a series of workshops designed to equip them with valuable life skills beyond match day. Led by tournament ambassadors and respected voices in football and youth development, the sessions covered topics ranging from life after football and menstrual health to holistic player development.
Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo shared lessons drawn from personal experience. A career-ending eye injury forced him to retire earlier than expected, but not from the game itself. Reinventing himself beyond football, Mhlongo’s story served as a powerful reminder that careers can change in an instant and that preparation for life beyond the pitch should start early.
“Don’t wait for the final whistle to find yourself. Start building your second career today,” Mhlongo told the young athletes.
His message centred on three key principles: play for the long game, use education as a game changer on and off the field, and start building your personal brand early.
Menstrual health educator and activist Candice Chirwa returned with her Know Your Flo workshop for young female footballers, creating an open conversation around menstruation and the menstrual cycle.
Players were encouraged to better understand their bodies, recognise menstruation as a natural process and leave behind the stigma often associated with it. Chirwa also challenged the misconception that being on your period should prevent participation in sport, highlighting how movement can support overall wellbeing while encouraging athletes to listen to their bodies and adapt when needed.
For coaches, Thabo Senong focused on what it takes to develop future players. His workshop highlighted the importance of a holistic approach that balances technical, tactical, physical and mental development.
Senong reinforced the value of age-appropriate coaching, player-centred development and creating environments where young athletes can learn through play, problem-solving and guided discovery. He also emphasised the importance of continuous learning for coaches themselves, noting: “Educated coaches develop better players.”
Ultimately, the workshops reinforced the central message behind this year’s Engen Champ of Champs theme, Where Diski Legends Start – that developing great footballers starts with developing well-rounded individuals.
From preparing for life beyond the game and understanding their bodies, to creating stronger environments for aspiring professionals to thrive, the lessons shared during these workshops will endure long after the tournament concludes.
The Engen Champ of Champs continues to showcase Mzansi’s brightest young football talent while investing in the personal and social development of the next generation.
SUPPLIED
