The standard of football thus far at the Bayhill Premier Cup might not have been on the same level as previous years, but few can deny the competitive nature and spirit which exists at the at the 37th edition of this Easter spectacle as most of the groups are on a knife edge and too close to call heading into the action on day four.
Needless to say, the signs are quite evident that academies don’t have it easy anymore … as the so-called amateur teams have certainly closed the gap on their more influential rivals which is due to coaches who have learnt and improved on their trade – and it shows in their performances.
This also indicates that the coaching courses conducted by Safa Cape Town are indeed adding value and making a difference which is very promising to say the least.
But let’s start at the bottom of the respective logs where wooden spooners like Two for Joy FC, Juventus FC, Elite Pro Tanzania, Hungry Lions FC, Windhoek Gymnasium, Jacaranda Callies and Aberdeen SC have found the going just too tough at the Easter spectacle as they all are yet to register a single point.
Who knows perhaps day four could be the day where they break their respective ducks to at least save some face?
Meanwhile, teams like the host Bayhill United and Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town appear to be favourites to qualify from Group A while Group B is slightly tighter with three teams, Cape Town City, Everton and Vasco da Gama battling it out for the top two positions
The impressive Jomos Power and Stellenbosch FC look set to reach the knockout stages in Group C although Virginia Football Academy could have other ideas as they need a victory if they want to qualify for the winners’ section.
The inaugural winner of this competition in 1989, Matroosfontein FC has looked like they are on a mission and mean business from the onset, and it’s just a matter of who will be joining them between Chippa United and Randburg AFC in Group D.
It is business as usual for a former multiple champion, Cape Town Spurs, in Group E thus far while Eagles Performance Academy (EPA) and Rygersdal FC will fight it out for the runner-up position. The latter will however have their work cut out for them as they come up against Spurs whilst EPA have a musch easier match-up which should make them the favourites to emerge along with Spurs.
In group G Stars of Africa and the University of Pretoria is all cut and dry, but this duo will battle it out for the top spot on day four and which should be an interesting affair.
The Maties FC who have caused one of the upsets of the tournament after they beat Mamelodi Sundowns by 2-1 just require a draw against Safa Cape Town Academy while the latter need maximum points to keep their ambitions alive in the winners’ section and avoid the tongues from wagging for the wrong reasons..
The defending champion Ubuntu Football Academy has done what is expected of them in Group H with a perfect record while Shayamoya Academy and Premier United will battle it out for the runner-up position in this group.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY CONRAY SWAIL
