There was big hype and expectation about the visiting teams beyond the borders of South Africa as to what they would contribute to the 37th edition of the Bayhill Premier Cup, but thus far Elite Pro Tanzania, and Windhoek Gymnasium have offered very little to convince the neutrals that they are adding value.
Perhaps one expected a bit too much from the visitors, especially with words like “Elite,” “Pro” and “Academy” all in one sentence… as their performance on day two at the Erica Park Sport Complex in Belhar, was nothing to write home about after a 0-3 defeat to Cape Town Spurs.
So, too, did Windhoek Gymnasium come off second best when they were beaten 1-0 by Stars of Africa which make one wonder if these slots could not have been better utilized with local sides.
Not to mention Safa Cape Town’s ‘Academy’ side who met their match against a proper academy side in Mamelodi Sundowns when they were convincingly beaten 3-1 in the final match of the evening.
Perhaps it’s too soon to judge the region’s representative, but time will tell when they face Jacaranda Callies in their second match of the tournament on Friday.
One of the surprising results was a 0-0 stalemate between Vasco da Gama and Cape Town City which was also a rather dull affair, especially from the perspective of the young Citizens who lack the necessary flair and attacking prowess that one has gotten accustomed to from a side coached by Byron Cottle.
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch FC got back to winning ways after an unexpected draw against Jomos Power in their opening match when they beat Virginia Football Academy by 2-1. Jomos also recorded the highest score line of the tournament thus far when they walloped Two for Joy by 5-1 making their intentions very clear.
The defending champion Ubuntu Academy also got the better of Shayamoya Academy by 2-1. So, too did Eagles Performance Academy bounce back with a 2-1 win over Rygersdal after losing their opening match against Cape Town Spurs by 1-2. The township side Everton also recorded a 2-1 victory against Hout Bay United FC.
The hosts, Bayhill United had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town who are still undefeated after they beat Stanturf United by 1-0 in their opening match on day one.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY CONRAY SWAIL
Other results on day two
Hungry Lions 0, University of Pretoria 4
Premier United 2, Aberdeen SC 1
Bolabathaba United 0, Stanturf United 0
Maties FC 2, Jacaranda Callies FC 0
Windhoek Gymnasium 0, Stars of Africa 1
Chippa United 0, Randburg AFC 1
Stellenbosch FC 2, Virginia Football Academy 1
Hout Bay United 1, Everton 2
Eagles Performance Academy 2, Rygersdal 1
Bayhill United 2, Antalyaspor JPM CT 2
Elite Pro Tanzania 0, Cape Town Spurs 3
Ubunty Football Academy 2, Shayamoya Academy 1
Tow for Joy 1, Jomos Power 5
Vasco da Gama 0, Cape Town City 0
Mamelodi Sundowns 3, Safa Cape Town Academy 1
