THROUGH THE GAP: Hellenic FC's Nithaar Brenner looks to slip through the gap during his side's Premier Cup quarter-final fixture against Safa Cape Town Academy, at Erica Park, on Sunday.
Image: Fuad Esack
Although getting off to a shaky start in the group stages of this year’s Bayhill Premier Cup, Hellenic FC’s under-19s managed to advance to the quarter-finals against Safa Cape Town Academy, at Erica Park, in Belhar, on Sunday.
In a tight-knit affair the Milnerton-based side bowed out of the competition in extra-time with a 2-1 loss. With their name synonymous with the Premier Cup, having won the competition on numerous occasions, Hellenic is always expected to be among the top finishers.
In their opening group game, coach Andries Bezuidenhout’s charges faced eventual tournament winners, Ubuntu Football Academy who beat them 3-1, before finding their rhythm in their remaining group stage matches against the Eastern Cape’s Major Chiefs Sports Club and Virginia Football Academy, whom they beat 3-0 and 2-1 respectively.
AERIAL BATTLE: Safa Cape Town Academy's Tyreese Diedericks and Hellenic's Tylor Sapud challenges for the ball in mid-air, during their sides' Premier Cup quarter-final clash, at Erica Park, on Sunday
Image: Fuad Esack
“Sure, the group stages started off shaky, as we conceded silly goals in the first game, but it stirred up a big hunger in the boys to redeem themselves,” said Bezuidenhout, who’s been with the side since te beginning of the year.
“That's what we look for ultimately, not perfection but progression. We had to win the last game against Virginia academy, which we did, 2-1, so the guys showed resilience to get out of the groups.
“That gave us Cape Town Spurs in the round of 16, on the A field in front of a packed crowd. Everyone was up for the challenge. Beating Spurs 1-0 was a beautiful ugly win,” he said.
“ In cup football, you have to know how to win ugly. We won purely because of heart and determination,”said Bezuidenthout, quick to compliment the organisers.
The officiating was tops, you don't normally compliment the refs so we have to give credit where credit is due,”’
“We butt heads with some of the strongest teams in the country, Ubuntu, Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town Spurs, where else are you going to participate in a tournament that gives you that quality of opposition?”
“With those conditions: the field size and quality, the fans, having a 4th official, the media exposure, the life skill program. It was all a top experience. Nothing compares to it,” he said.
MAN ON: Safa CT Academy's Moegamat Ruzaig Allie one step ahead of his marker, Hellenic's Tylor Sapud, during their sides' Premier Cup quarter-final match.
Image: Fuad Esack
TUSSLE: Safa Cape Town Academy's Adnaan Peters and Hellenic's Rivaldo van Schalkwyk tussle for possession during their sides' Premier Cup quarter-final fixture
Image: Fuad Esack
DANGER: Safa CT Academy's Yusri Emaum in a dangerous position in front of goal, with Hellenic shot-stopper Isaiah Daniels keeping tabs on the situation.
Image: Fuad Esack