Drought sinks the Bayhill Cup
THIS year’s edition of the Bayhill Premier Cup (BPC) has been cancelled because of the drought.
Soccer talents who came through this popular under-19 contest, normally held over the Easter weekend, included former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune and ace striker and now current Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy.
Such is the BPC’s popularity that teams from abroad participate and it is a haven for soccer talent scouts.
“It is with deep regret and after extensive consideration that we, the Bayhill Football Club, must inform you of our decision to cancel the 2018 edition of the Bayhill Premier Cup.
“We are all aware of the drought in Cape Town and the water crisis has caused the condition of the football fields to become unplayable,” tournament director Patrick Williams said.
The organisers had constant discussion with the City to find a solution for the dire condition of Erica Park Sports Complex in Belhar, the venue for the tournament, he said.
“We have been informed by the City that it looks unlikely the venue will be ready in time. With the water restrictions at level 6(b), it slows the pace of recovery even further.”
The City had offered to help find an alternative venue, but finding a suitable venue like Erica Park had proved difficult, he said.
Also considered were reducing the number of teams and matches, Williams said. He said their main concerns included safety of players, sanitation, hygiene and dehydration. The BPC committee also realised the seriousness and importance of saving water.
“We are extremely sad that there was no other suitable solution. We are however hopeful that the situation will improve for the 2019 tournament to take place.
“We also thank our local participants who went through the qualification stages and all the visiting teams who were prepared to come to the Mother City to celebrate the 30th anniversary with us.”
The tournament’s cancellation came about a month after the plug was pulled on all local club and school cricket matches this season, also due to the drought. At the time Nabeal Dien, chief executive of the Western Province Cricket Association, said the board was unanimous in deciding to take such a major step.