It was a dream come true for Buelin Adams, Luthando Nukuna and Sanele Mthwana to represent Bayhill United AFC at the Bayhill Premier Cup Plate Section final, at Athlone Stadium, on Monday, April 1.
The under-19 football tournament’s host club, Bayhill United, beat KwaZulu Natal’s Shayamoya Academy 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw at the end of the match.
The side from Mitchell’s Plain had a good squad throughout the tournament, played at Erica Park in Belhar from Wednesday March 27 throughout the Easter weekend and the finals taking place at Athlone Stadium on Monday April 1.
They had big boys at the back and fast-paced attackers upfront. The captain, Adams, from Bishop Lavis, acknowledged his teammates for overcoming the odds and winning more silverware.
“It was very tough. There are very competitive teams in the Bayhill. You see the greatest talent in South Africa. Teams such as Shayamoya, Tuks, Mamelodi Sundowns, those are teams we want to compete against. I would like to thank all the teams and all the fans that came out to support the local teams. It was a great experience,” he said.
Bayhill United’s goalkeeper, Nukuna, from Langa, played in his last year in the Bayhill and won his first ever medal.
“This is the first and the last time I am playing in the Bayhill. It was a great experience to play in the Bayhill. I missed out on it last year due to some challenges but now I’ve got the experience. This is my first ever medal on the big stage. I am grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
Bayhill United beat Ubuntu Football Academy 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in the plate section finals. They won 1-0 against LFA neighbours, Leeds United AFC in the plate section quarter-finals. In the group stages, they finished third after one draw and two losses.
In jovial spirit was Mthwana, from Gugulethu, who was instrumental in leading the teams defensive midfield role throughout the tournament.
“I feel happy to be playing for Bayhill. It is a nice experience. We are the Bayhill Premier Cup plate section winners!”
