The Bayhill Premier Cup’s gruelling playoff campaign is done and dusted – and all has been revealed.
While some were left in tatters and tears pondering what could have been – those who rose to the occasion and remained standing would surely feel vindicated as their sacrifices and the emotional roller coaster have been well worth the wait.
Who would have thought that influential clubs such as Maties FC, Antalyaspor JPM CT and FC Kapstadt with all their high-tech gadgets, would be left licking their wounds while on the other hand townships teams and minnows such as Rebels FC, FC Porto and Clover FC would be amongst the very best Cape Town has to offer. This was just another indication how this sought after u.19 competition will cut even the very best down to size.
Out of the 24 clubs who participated in the final round of (group stages) playoffs, 12 stood the test of time – including one debutant in Elsies River United – when the curtain dropped on the playoff campaign at the William Herbert Sports Complex on Sunday.
It is also a welcome return for other ‘newbies’ such as Junction Rover and Westridge FC after a long absence. This duo both secured qualification as winners of their respective groups D and B.
Congratulations should be extended to Hanover Park FC, Rebels FC, FC Porto, Westridge FC, Young Bafana, FN Rangers, Junction Rovers, Ubuntu Academy, Clover FC, Everton FC and Rygersdal FC who will now join the host Bayhill United, the defending champion Grassy Park United, along with the academies such as SAFA CT Academy, Cape Town City, Cape Town Spurs, Stellenbosch FC and the Mitchells Plain LFA in the finals which will take place at the Erica Park Sports Complex in Belhar over the Easter Weekend – from the 27 March to 31 March.
And, just as last year, the Athlone Stadium will again play host to the Final.
It was communicated to No Bones with Jones that it is a bit premature at this stage to announce the visiting teams that will make up the rest of the 32 teams participating in this prestigious competition.
“This will be revealed at our launch with the date to be confirmed,” said Tournament Director, Rayaan Alie. “For now, let’s keep football lovers in suspense,” Alie added.
