The Collin Benjamin Soccer (CBS) Talents will continue their football education at the annual Bayhill Premier Cup, an under-19 football tournament in South Africa.
CBS head coach Henrico Botes believes the experience of competing in the 36th edition of the tournament in Cape Town is priceless for the Namibian youngsters’ development.
The 32-team tournament takes place from 16 to 21 April at Athlone Stadium.
“The Bayhill Premier Cup is one of the best youth cups in southern Africa, and we are excited to be part of this year’s edition,” the ex-Brave Warriors frontman says.
“We are drawn against the defending champions. They are our second fixture. It’s definitely going to be a test for the boys, but we are putting in the work and are looking forward to be playing against the best teams in the region.”
This will be the second international competition CBS will be taking part in this year, following the HopHydro Under-18 Soccer Cup which they hosted in January.
That tournament featured German second-tier side Nürnberg and eventual winners Mamelodi Sundowns, who will also be competing for honours in Cape Town.
Speaking on preparations, the former Warriors forward says the team has been engaging in friendly matches.
“We played friendly matches against Debmarine Namibia Premiership sides, Bucks Buccaneers and Unam FC just to see where we are lacking and can improve on. Playing with the big teams also give the boys a boost of confidence.”
CBS Talents, who were runners-up in their home tournament, are one of two Namibian teams signed up for the Bayhill Cup.
River Heights Football Academy are the other team.
CBS is drawn in group H alongside defending champions Cape Town Spurs FC, Stantfurf United and FC Porto.
Riverheights Football Academy face Bayhill United FC, Maties FC and Rygersdal FC in group A.
Commenting on the draw and the importance of the Bayhill Premier Cup, tournament director Rayaan Alie says: “The Bayhill Premier Cup organising committee is geared and ready for action after a successful tournament launch and draw.
“We are particularly interested in seeing how our local talent will fare against the teams travelling from abroad, as well as the professional teams from outside the province. The draw set the tone for what is poised to be one of the best tournament editions’ yet.”
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