- The Bayview U-16 Youth Cup begins its 11th year this weekend with 72 teams competing for trophy honors over six days of soccer action.
- At the launch, tournament director Mark Rodrigues emphasised fair play and camaraderie among players, while professional footballer Rushwin Dortley shared his journey and encouraged young players to persevere.
- The competition, supported by the City of Cape Town and local football associations, aims to promote sportsmanship and provide opportunities for young soccer talents.
With the hotly anticipated u-16 Youth Cup kicking off for the 11th year this weekend, 72 teams will vie for trophy glory over six days of action-packed youth soccer.
At an official launch and draw of groups on Thursday 6 June at Lentegeur Civic Centre, club captains and coaches were encouraged to put their best foot forward for what is already known as one of the biggest youth tournaments in the country.
Tournament director Mark Rodrigues says the competition will feature many new clubs.
“On Sunday (16 June), we want to see some good soccer and we want to see friendships being built and good winners,” he says.
Professional footballer, Rushwin Dortley who is contracted to Cape Town Spurs, shared his soccer journey with the players.
Starting at age nine, Dortley faced many trials. He encouraged the players to keep striving and sacrificing if they wanted to play professional soccer.
“Since 18, I am 22 now, I made 90 professional appearances for Cape Town Spurs and with all that hard work, I got a call up to the u-23 national team where I was the captain of the team for one camp,” he says.
“Everything is possible for us. A lot of people think others are better, if you keep on fighting and believing in your talent as a footballer, you will reach many highs.”
Value for players
Mzwakhe Nqavashe, who represented the City of Cape Town, says the municipality will continue to support this competition based on the value it provides for the players.
“Perseverance and hard work pay off. Stick to the discipline and refuse to be drawn out by your friends. Stay away from the wrong things like alcohol in young lives,” says Nqavashe.
Gilbert Kruger, chair of the Mitchells Plain Local Football Association (LFA) lauded Rodrigues and his committee for continuing to host this competition.
“The tournament is growing year on year.a This is what we want and need for football,” says Kruger.
He continued to encourage the players that not everything is about winning and that not everyone will make it as professional players, but maybe the next coaches and referees as the future of soccer.
“Let us not forget the sportsmanship and what goes along with winning. When you have won, someone lost. But, you could not have won without them. When you do win, do so with grace, win with pride and think of the ones who did not make it, so that they can come back,” he says.
The competition kicks off on Sunday 16 June and will continue for the remainder of the week at the Strandfontein Sports Complex. Finals will be held on Saturday 22 June.
- People’s Post, Tygerburger and City Vision are proud media partners to the event. Visit our social media pages for daily updates, fixtures, images and other digital content around the competition through out the week. Also read more here.
