Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Bayhill Premier Cup turns 30
WHAT is billed as the biggest junior football spectacle in the country, the Bayhill Premier Cup tournament, will celebrate its 30th anniversary over the Easter weekend this year.
The under-19 showpiece, formally known as the Metropolitan Premier Cup, came into existence in 1989 when Bay City Ramblers hosted the competition for the first two years. In 1991, Bay City Ramblers and Sparkhill FC combined to form Bayhill.
The inaugural competition took place at the Rocklands Sports Ground before it moved to Erica Park Sports Ground in Belhar. Matroosfontein FC were the winners while Hellenic and Ajax Cape Town have been crowned champions six times. SuperSport United were the last team to win backto-back titles after they annexed the title in 2016 and 2017.
International teams have been invited to the event, among these English club Swansea City and Zambia’s Zesco United.
The “Bayhill” has been graced by a number of Bafana Bafana and PSL stars such as Rivaldo Coetzee, Ayanda Patosi, Fagrie Lakay, Moeneeb Josephs and Cole Alexander.
Former PSL players who played in the annual event included Matthew Booth, Lance Davids, David Kannemeyer, Bradley August, Nasief Morris and Benni McCarthy.
Alexander said he always dreamt of playing in the competition.
“It was always the tournament I looked out for, whether it was as a spectator or player. Saalman King (previously Graham King) was my community hero when I went to watch the competition. To win the Bayhill with Ajax Cape Town in 2008 was one of my fondest memories. I am grateful to have participated in the competition a few times which set me up for the PSL,” he said.
Morris, who now coaches Ikapa Sporting in the ABC Motsepe League, said his fondest memory was winning the tournament twice with Santos.
“Being player of the tournament in the year 2000 was something special,” he said.
Tournament director PJ Williams said they would like to make this year’s tournament a celebration.
“My expectation is for the tournament to take place this year after we did not have one last year due to the drought. We are hoping that the public will come to the party as before, because without them the tournament would not have been where it is today,” he said.
Williams said a highlight was watching McCarthy and Morris play.
“I remember handing over the trophy to Benni when he was named player of the tournament. Nasief, on the other hand, was just as good,” he said.
The play-off rounds take place this weekend, and next, at the Bayhill Legacy Ground, Rocklands High School.