Battle of local Cape sides in the 2015 Metropolitan U19 Premier Cup final

J.L. Zwane and Glendene United will contest an all-Cape Town final in the 2015 Metropolitan U-19 Premier Cup at Erica Park in Belhar on Monday afternoon following impressive performances in the Sunday’s semi-finals. 

Mihlali Mayambela scored twice in the second half to hand Gugulethu-based J.L. Zwane a handsome 2-0 victory over Milano United. Glendene, who hail from Athlone, fell behind to a Casely Watson goal as their opponents, Old Mutual Academy went into half-time a goal to the good, but came back strongly after the break to score twice, through Dyllon Agulhas and Jody Jansen in a 2-1 win to book their place in the final.

Teams from Cape Town asserted their dominance over this, the 27^th staging of the prestigious tournament by providing all four semi-finalists - and, in fact, six of the eight quarterfinalists - which ensured that Erica Park was packed to capacity with fans cheering on their local favourites from early morning right until the last whistle.

Tournament director, P.J. Williams expressed his satisfaction with the standard of competition at this year’s event, adding, “It is unusual to see all four semi-finalists coming from the surrounding area, especially in the form of local club teams. It demonstrates the wealth of talent in the region and also shows that these youngsters can match and indeed surpass their peers from professional PSL youth academies and, in this year’s case, the English Premier League, despite comparatively limited resources. 

It is a great tribute to our partners, Metropolitan for their contribution towards the progress of youth football through their sponsorship of this tournament.” 

The quarterfinals saw Glendene United upset SuperSport United by a goal to nil, scored by Bathanda Mzilikazi, and JL Zwane progress at the expense of Hellenic, also 1-0, courtesy of substitute Akhona Gondona’s second half winner. Old Mutual Academy beat Bidvest Wits 4-1, through goals by Gary Havenga, Stefan Stuurman, Sage September and Mogamat May, with Sizwe Twala replying for the Students. 

 Milano completed the semi-final line-up with a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Jumbo Giants, after their tie ended 0-0 after extra time.

“The Cape Town teams have really shown their pedigree this year and we wish the finalists the very best of luck in tomorrow’s showpiece,” said Vuyo Lee, MMI Executive for Brand and Corporate Affairs on behalf of the sponsors.

 “Metropolitan’s commitment to creating opportunities through football, as well as engaging the surrounding community by partnering with locally based enterprises such as catering, security, and various other logistical services is what helps to give the Metropolitan U-19 Premier Cup its unique and distinctive character and I am sure we shall see a large crowd of people filling the grounds tomorrow to generate a tremendous atmosphere for their young legends of the future to display their burgeoning talent.”

The final kicks off at 15h00 on Monday afternoon. The programme kicks off at 10h30 with the Plate final, followed by the Mid-Section final at 11h45 and some festive pre-game entertainment is scheduled to begin at 14h20 to get spectators fired up for the main event.