Goals galore on day three at Erica Park

3 April 2015, Cape Town: Fireworks illuminated the Cape Town skies on Friday evening at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Metropolitan U-19 Premier Cup in Belhar on the Cape Flats. The large crowd that braved the blustery conditions were well rewarded with an entertaining spectacle that involved a march-past by all of the competing teams, followed by a brass band, a local dance troupe and a thrilling performance by award-winning hip-hop artist, AKA. All this made for a festive atmosphere fitting for the inauguration.

After MMI Executive for Brand and Corporate Affairs, Vuyo Lee officially declared the competition open on behalf of Metropolitan, the feature match of the day saw a rerun of the 2013 final between Ajax Cape Town and Berea Albion. The Group A clash finished 3-0 to the young Urban Warriors to send the local fans home happy.

Earlier, Chippa United beat hosts, Bayhill United by a single goal to join JL Zwane at the top of Group B, while in Group C, Welsh visitors, Swansea City came down to earth with a bump, losing 3-1 to Free State side, Harmony Academy, who moved level with the other three teams in the group, all on three points.

Bidvest Wits impressed with a 4-0 rout of Fairview Rovers to lead Group D and earn a place in the knockout stage and SuperSport United maintained their 100% record so far with a classy 3-1 win over Arcadia Shepherds to join a three-way tie atop Group E.  The same was true for University of Pretoria, who moved up to six points in Group F after beating Celtic United, also by 3-1 to ensure their progress into the next round. In Group G, Mamelodi Sundowns consigned Zambian team, Zesco United to a second consecutive defeat, running out winners by two goals to one. Polokwane United managed to hold Amazulu to a scoreless draw to keep their slim chances of qualifying from Group H alive.

“This tournament becomes more of an attraction every year due to the unique vibe created by the communities that support it,” said Ms. Lee. “At Metropolitan it has always been a priority to engage with our client base on a grassroots level and it is heart-warming to see this being realised in event such as the Metropolitan U-19 Premier Cup, where young footballers have the chance to develop their talent while being watched by their families, neighbours and friends, as well as football lovers from all over the region and beyond.”

There is a full programme on Saturday, commencing at 09h30, with the final group matches being concluded during the morning session. At 15h00, the first knockout phase, the round of 16 begins, with the final fixture of the day kicking off 19h30.