Vasco Da Gama Shines on first day of the 2010 Metropolitan Premier Cup

Vasco Da Gama sent out a message of intent on the opening day of the 22nd edition of the Metropolitan Premier Cup with an emphatic 3-0 triumph over their Cape Town neighbours Ikapa Sporting at Erica Park in Belhar on Wednesday. Vasco, still celebrating the promotion of their senior team to the PSL for next season, put Ikapa to the sword from the first whistle and raced to a three goal lead by half-time and, but for a missed penalty in the second period, could have run out even more handsome winners.




Earlier, it was a day of come-from-behind victories, with Baltic Rangers rallying from a goal down to beat Milano United 2-1, while City Lovers went one better, overcoming a two-goal deficit to come out 3-2 winners over Mr. Price Parkhurst. Salt River Blackpool also fell behind before hitting their straps to defeat Riverside Rangers 2-1. In the only goalless encounter of the opening day, Belhar Spurs and Cape United shared a point apiece.



Metropolitan Group Brand Manager, Christabell Kota, said, “The early signs suggest that we are in for a thrilling tournament. Metropolitan takes great pride in our association with the Premier Cup, which now extends into its 21st year. Our policy of commitment to grassroots football development at community level has reaped great rewards and has seen the Premier Cup grow from relatively humble beginnings into South Africa’s flagship Under-19 championship. For the opening day, the public turnout is most encouraging, creating a suitable atmosphere for the young stars to showcase their talent.”



On Thursday, 16 matches will be contested, the first kicking off at 12:30pm, when defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns face Young Idols and running through to 8:00pm, when Ajax Cape Town take on Swazi visitors Manzini Sundowns.