I’m tempted to say that all hell could break loose when Safa Cape Town announces their final squad for the u.19 Bayhill Premier Cup – rest assured there will definitely be a difference of opinions.
This decision will be announced after the Mother body’s Regional Executive meeting on Wednesday 26 April 2025.
The reality is that since the inception of this ‘academy’ outfit at the prestigious Bayhill Cup in 2022, there has always been drama and controversy over who gets selected and who does not.
So much so, that they have now conjured up their own unofficial ‘quota system’ whereby it was suggested that the squad should consist of 10 coloured players and 10 players from the black African culture – wow!
The challenge is that everyone always expects things to be politically correct, but at what and whose expense?
Perhaps this is also one of the reasons why success is evading the team at the Ester spectacle – despite the promise shown and the talent they have at their disposal.
The situation over the years has become so untenable, that it forced some coaches to walk away from the team due to the toxic environment.
Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting for coach Goodwin Lewis (pictured) and his Safa Cape Town Academy outfit to finally taste success at the Bayhill Cup.
The 36th edition of this prestigious Easter spectacle takes place from 16 April at the Erica Park Sport Complex in Belhar with the respective finals to be decided on Easter Monday at the Home of Cape Town football, the Athlone Stadium.
Lewis, who will be at the helm for his second, is desperate to break their duck and will in all likelihood go for broke.
In his quest, Lewis or ‘Oenie’ as he is better known, will be assisted by Lwazi Galada (assistant), Gordon Crumpton (manager), Barry Petersen (goalkeeper coach) and Hendrik Landman (conditioning coach).
The academy has been extremely active behind the scenes following friendly matches against Greenwood Athletics Third Division side whom they walloped 5-1 while losing 1-3 to Crystal Palace’s ABC Motsepe side on Tuesday. Next up they will face the second division duo in Zizwe United followed by Hanover Park
Lewis’ side will conclude their preparation in Easter tournament in the Winelands when they play two friendlies against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday followed by their neighbours, The Maties.
