Fireworks lit up the night sky

Fireworks lit up the night sky in a blaze of colour as the 2010 edition of the Metropolitan Premier Cup was officially opened on a perfect Good Friday evening at Erica Park in Belhar. The large crowd was treated to a performance by a troupe of dancers accompanied by a band of drummers before each if the 32 competing teams participated in a march-past on the main field.



President of SAFA, Cape Town, Norman Arendse said, “SAFA is delighted to support this event. It is the most successful football tournament in the entire country at any level. Much credit must go to Metropolitan and Bayhill United for setting a standard of seamless organisation that serves as a template for others to follow. Every club wants to play at the Premier Cup so it is guaranteed that only the best teams are on show, drawing scouts from all the top teams in the country, as well as Africa and Europe. It’s certainly the place to be at Easter.”

On the field of play, Supersport United emerged as 1-0 winners in their eagerly awaited clash against Kaizer Chiefs to top the Group E standings. Mamelodi Sundowns kept their defence of the trophy on track with a competent 2-0 Group A victory over Player’s Academy in the evening’s main fixture.

Crowd favourites, Ajax Cape Town found themselves on the wrong end of an upset, losing 2-1 to Free State Stars in a thrilling Group D encounter, although the Urban Warriors are still expected to progress beyond the round robin phase. They could be joined by Old Mutual Academy, who eased past Swazi side, Manzini Sundowns, 3-0.

In Group B, hosts Bayhill United failed to make the most of home ground advantage, going down 2-0 to the University of Pretoria, ending their hopes of qualifying for the second round.

Group C action saw Glenville Celtic get the better of their namesakes Bloemfontein Celtic, 1-0, leaving the Free State outfit on the verge of elimination.

Moroka Swallows came from behind to shock the School of Excellence 2-1 to throw Group F wide open. Much will depend on the final round of matches before the qualifiers are decided.

Highlands Park overcame Santos by a single goal, while Battswood and Harmony Academy played out a goalless draw, leaving Group G up for grabs.

Finally, the other guest team from Swaziland, Young Buffaloes earned their first points of the campaign, drawing 1-1 against Orlando Pirates in Group H.

Saturday’s full programme starts at 9:00am with the completion of the group stage. The round of 16 knockout phase gets under way at 3:30pm with the final match of the day kicking off at 8:00pm.