Gone are the days when Bayhill United, host of the prestigious Bayhill Premier Cup, can be considered as the punching bag at its own tournament.
This is largely due to the influence and guidance of their passionate young coach and former Milano United pro goalkeeper, Jay Visagie.
Since Visagie took over the reins three seasons ago Bayhill’s under-19 outfit has grown in leaps and bounds and commanded respect from their rivals at the finals.
Under his tutelage, Bayhill has also qualified as group winners on two occasions – against all odds.
Hence, it came as no surprise when Visagie rewrote the club’s history books by becoming the first coach of a Bayhill team to actually taste success at the Easter tournament winning the Mid-section Final. This was certainly no fluke as they beat academy outfits such as Hellenic in the semi-final and Highlands in the final.
Visagie, who is humble and shy by nature, admitted that it was indeed one of the proudest moments of his coaching career.
“I didn’t even know I was part of the history until Mr Bruyns from the LOC told me this last year,” Visagie told No Bones with Jones. “It felt great winning some silverware as the players thoroughly deserved it because their families had to make a lot of sacrifices.
“So too our management and supporters who stood by this team and gave immense support. It even warmed my heart to see the whole club, from under 6 until under 16 along with the women’s teams and seniors supporting us. It meant a lot to everyone and I am very grateful,” he added.
With the penultimate round of qualifiers set to resume this weekend at the ABE Sher Sport complex in Bothasig, Visagie conceded that he will be sending his spies to suss out their competition.
“I will be lurking next weekend when the round-robin takes place (William Herbert) to see what we will be up against.”
The 35-year-old Visagie, who holds a Caf D-licence, also admitted that the pressure and expectations will certainly increase to at least repeat last year’s feat – but one he is relishing.
“This year we are going to give a real hard crack once again as we have for the last two editions,” Visage further stated.
“We bowed out in the quarter-final for the last two years, but I feel we are prepared to pass this hurdle this time and challenge for the honours with the way we play and our philosophy as well as the brand of football we play.”
Visagie, who is also the assistant coach at the ABC Motsepe outfit Santos, will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him as only two of last year’s winning side remain after six players were snapped up by Santos.
“We have a new crop and blend of players but I can assure you they will be an exciting team to watch,” he concluded.
