Picture: Buntu Gotywa
For the first time in the history of the club, Silver Spurs made their debut in the Bayhill Cup, and they did not disappoint. They reached the plate section final despite going down 1-0 against the experienced PPG Langa, who have played in the plate section for the past three tournaments (excluding last year).
Manenberg based D&G Orient managed to reach the last 16 at the 30th anniversary of the Bayhill Cup played at Erica Park in Belhar this Easter weekend.
Greenwood Athletic brought together a squad of unshaken and talented youngsters with a heart that donned the green and yellow with pride.
Silver Spurs shocked many of the big names to make their way to the plate section final. They beat Black Birds Academy 3-0 and played to a goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns before going down 3-0 to Ajax Cape Town in the group stages.
Fans from Athlone, Manenberg, Parkwood, Bishop Lavis and surrounding areas were out in full force,shouting at the top of their voicestheir voices in support of their boys.
No matter what color jersey a youngster wore, the stands shook for every local player dribbling the ball.
The Southern derby between Grassy Park United and Greenwood was an all business affair during the game. Although Greenwood won 1-0, after the game, the former Grassy Park players at Greenwood including Tyrese Augustus walked over to smile and greet thier former captain, AJ Abrahams and company.
At the Cape Town City versus Supersport clash, despite the 2-0 loss for City, former Grassy Park United number 10, Liam Schnell said he felt speechless by the support shown by the locals.
Former MPCE Academy midfielder and now Sundowns winger, Doudy James, brought together a new crowd of “Ka bo yellow supporters” out of Bishop Lavis.
The proud community sacrificed their Friday night to come and watch the youngster play one of the best games of his life during the 1-0 win against Ajax.
After the match, he went up to the crowd on the far left of field A and greeted them. There was a feeling of love and appreciation for “Charra” as they call him.
On Thursday afternoon, co-founder of the tournament, Roger Clayton said since 1989, it has been the football that brought together the talented youngsters, hard working organisers and the passionate supporters of local football.
On Monday, co-founder of the tournament, PJ Williams congratulated all the teams that took part in the competition saying he looks forward to what ought to be another successful endeavor in 2020’s meeting at Erica Park sports field, in Belhar.
Meanwhile, Ajax Cape Twon went to this year’s tournament with one aim: to reclaim the tournament they last won in 2014. In that period the side were back to back winners in 2013 2014. This time Ajax had to settle for the mid-section title after bowing out in the championship quarter finals.
They beat Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in the mid-section final. In the championship final, which was a batle of Gauteng sides, Highlands Park were crowned champions after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 4-2 on penalties. The sides were tied at 1-all after regulation time.