30th annual Bayhill Cup set for kick-off

THE 30th annual Bayhill Cup Tournament will kick off over Easter Weekend at Erica Park in Belhar. The official draw confirms the game schedule for the premier under-19 soccer event on the SA Football Association calendar.

Twenty-three of the 32 teams are based in Cape Town. One foreign team will be participating.

The City’s sponsorship amounts to R350 000 and includes services such as the venue, transport for teams, ablution and refuse facilities, electricity, perimeter fencing and audio-visual equipment.

Mayor Dan Plato said: “Sport contributes towards cohesion in communities and soccer is an excellent example of competitive sportsmanship. Some years ago, the city also played host to a successful Soccer World Cup. It was during this event that I experienced how sport can bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together. Soccer is a game unlike any other sporting code that allows young people to participate and build character, self-discipline and respect.”

The tournament was called off last year due to the drought.

Mayco member for community services and health Zahid Badroodien said mitigation measures had been put in place and there were visible improvements in the quality of the venue.

“‘Erica Park is a community asset of which we can all be proud. To host a tournament of this calibre for young people where they can hone their skills is a motivation to all of us. Not only do we create opportunities for young people to play soccer competitively but it also shows the good working relationship between the City and the event organiser to ensure a successful tournament,” he said.

The opening ceremony takes place tomorrow evening and the final game is scheduled for Monday. For a detailed list of the teams and programme, visit: http://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Centre%20Assets/ LIVE %20 draw %20 chart. pdf|