Their absence of exactly two decades from the Bayhill Premier Cup has been so lengthy, that Leeds United AFC will probably feel they are making their debut at the event.
Leeds won the Mitchells Plain LFA (MPLFA) Champs of Champs against Milano which gave them automatic qualification into tournament as the LFA’s champion side – and along with the host of the event, Bayhill United and neighbours Westridge, they will be flying the flag for the soccer fraternity of the Plain.
The ‘debutant’ has been drawn against the defending champion Grassy Park, FN Rangers and the visiting team in Windhoek Gymnasium in Group H.
Leeds’ coach Showket Sardien admitted that it’s been long overdue and the players are looking forward to the challenge.
“With regards to our group I think we have a big chance to make it to the next round as we have played against two of the teams before and we have competed quite well against them,” Sardien said to No Bones with Jones. “By no means am I saying it’s going to be easy, but if I had a choice I would’ve chosen this group every time.”
Sardien, assisted by well renowned coaches such as Yaasien Solomons, Ryan Pieterse, Jeffrey Matshebelele and Faizel Ryklief, said that they will not be intimidated, nor will they get stage fright on the biggest platform on the African continent.
“Look, the majority of this squad has been playing together since under-14 and we have groomed them with the dream of playing in the Bayhill,” Sardien added. “So, for them it’s a dream come true and years of hard work has paid off, not only for them but the coaching team as well,” Sardien concluded.
