As the final whistle blew on the 11th annual Bayview u-16 Youth Cup at the weekend, plans are already in place to further expand the tournament next year.
Tournament Director, Mark Rodrigues says expanding the tournament from 64 to 72 teams this year saw even more talent on display, from several teams who have not yet participated in the prestigious competition.
“Honestly, it was probably the easiest tournament for the last 11 years. Everything was in place, the preparations went very well. All 72 teams, we really, really admire what they brought to the table. They showed what soccer is about,” says Rodrigues.
Plans
While the growth and prestige of the competition has grown year on year, Rodrigues says plans for the next cup have already begun.
The launch will take place on Monday 16 June, with the tournament kicking off from Sunday 28 June at Strandfontein Sports Complex.
“People must start preparing for the next one,” he jokes.
Rodrigues says they hope to bring a title sponsor on board for next year.
“We would like to make the tournament more accessible to more clubs, but with no title sponsor, it is sometimes difficult. But, we will get there. We pride ourselves on making sure that our youth are being seen by the world out there. Also, we would like to see if we can get an international team from Europa or the Americans to come visit us,” he says.
With 2024 having been the biggest tournament to date, the 2025 tournament will be bigger and better, Rodrigues promises.
Having two prime academies present at the tournament, bodes well for young talent, says Rodrigues.
The academy’s that are here, already I hear they’re talking about taking a few boys into their fold, so we’re looking forward to see that. Also, a team that really surprised us in Mitchells Plain was Woodlands. I must give my thanks to them. That’s why they won the team of the tournament, because they came from nowhere and they showed everyone what they are made of,” he says.
Prizes
More than R50 000 in prizes were up for grabs.
Runners up will receive R6 500, a soccer kit, keepsake trophy and 25 medals.
Gold Section winners receive R4 000, keepsake trophy and 25 medals with runners up receiving R3 500 a trophy and medals.
Silver Section winners receive R3 000 with trophy and medals, and R2 500 with trophy and medals to the runners up.
Bronze winners will receive R2 000 with a trophy and medals with R1 500, trophy and medals to the runners up.
The winners of the Wagiet Memorial Cup will receive a custom made kit and medals, with medals also available for the runners up.
- Pioneer FC beat Lavender Hill FC 4-0 in the Bronze cup section
- Wynberg St Johns beat Strandfontein 3-0 in the Silver cup section.
- Antalyspor won the Gold cup section against Norway Park 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after full-time ended goalless.
- The Wagiet Memorial Cup in honour of a former Bayview FC captain who died six years ago, was won by Young Bafana who beat the Beaufort West invitational team 3-0.
- Player of the tournament was Keiran Craig from Ubuntu.
- Goalkeeper of tournament was Zain Abrahams from Strandfontein
- Top Goal Scorers at five each were Luke Hendricks and Ishaam Tilling from the Ubuntu Cape Town team.
Woodlands FC was named team of the tournament.
In closing off another successful tournament, Rodrigues thanked sponspors the City of Cape Town, SpyInc, Sasko, Rocomamas and WP Media – publishers of TygerBurger, City Vision and People’s Post.
“From myself, executive and Bayview family, we would like to say to all our partners who have seen this vision with us, thank you. Without your assistance, we would never have come so far. Our youth really appreciates what you do for them.”
