The Metropolitan U19 Premier Cup, considered the “birthplace” of South Africa’s top footballers, is back for the 27th edition of the tournament and set to unearth exciting new talent, it was announced at the launch of the tournament in Cape Town.
Africa’s most prestigious youth football tournament, which bred some of the top football talent that went on to enjoy both local and international success, is where Benni McCarthy discovered his goal scoring boots. It is where Matthew Booth and Nasief Morris fostered their defensive qualities. It was the midfield battle ground where Steven Pienaar, Thulani Serero and Ayanda Patosi cultivated their fine attacking talent.
Judging by some of these past success stories, it has come to be expected that a new legend could very well be born when the 2015 edition of the most prestigious youth football tournament in the country rolls out over Easter, from 1 – 6 April, at the Erica Park grounds in Belhar, Cape Town.
At the launch, the draw for the 32-team tournament that started in 1989 was conducted with the help of past graduates and SA footballers Nasief Morris and Lance Davids.
“With the launch 2015 edition of the Metropolitan U19 Premier Cup we cement our many years of loyalty to and enthusiasm to develop top quality South African footballers,” said Ms. Vuyo Lee, MMI Executive for Brand and Corporate Affairs.
“We are heartened and encouraged by the number of players, coaches and match officials produced by this tournament, which is testament to our investment in youth development through football. In line with our Metropolitan brand tagline that says “Together We Can”, we aim to continue to deliver our brand promise during this year’s tournament, making sure that together with us, players “can” achieve goals that they set for themselves. We also pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who work so enthusiastically to make this event a huge success, through their hard work behind the scenes,” she concluded
Fans planning to attend the tournament in April can look forward to seeing local Western Cape teams display their football prowess during the Easter weekend, including Maties, which is an extension of the Stellenbosch University football side, who last played in the tournament in 2011. Hellenic, six-time champions and semifinalists in 2014, will prove hard to beat again this year. The pride of Langa township - PPG Langa - who have a cordial relationship with Italian giants AC Milan, will make their debut at this year’s tournament, and are set to provide some excitement if their short passing game seen during the round robin stages is anything to go by.
Mamelodi Sundowns, champions in 2009, will be looking to extract revenge for their 1-0 defeat to six-time champions Ajax Cape Town in last year’s entertaining final. The Brazilians will be joined by other PSL U19 sides such as SuperSport United (2010 winners), Bidvest Wits (2003 winners), Polokwane City, Kaizer Chiefs, Chippa United and University of Pretoria.
International guest teams that will test their strength against South Africa’s best sides this year are Swansea City from England and neighbours from Zambia in the form of Zesco United.
Metropollitan will continue looking at the holistic development of all the players at the tournament, focusing on educating players on issues such as HIV/Aids, financial literacy, substance abuse, media training and managing their personal brand.
PJ Williams, the tournament director said: “Judging by what we have witnessed during the play-off and round-robin stages earlier this year, this year’s instalment of the Metropolitan U19 Premier Cup is set to be arguably the most exciting to date and we wish all the teams the best of luck. Many unknown players have made their names from this tournament and have gone on to shine in the professional ranks locally and abroad.
The winners of the tournament will receive R40, 000 prize-money in addition to the trophy and medals. Runners-up will be rewarded with R20, 000. There will be individual awards as well such as the player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the tournament, the top goal scorer and referee of the tournament who will walk away with R2, 000 for their achievements.
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