By: Sihle Ndebele

When the AmaZulu Under-19 team takes to the field in the Metropolitan Premier Cup in Cape Town this month, they will not be thinking only about the R35 000 at stake.

Instead, they know that they will flying the flag of KwaZulu-Natal and that, perhaps, good displays could see them promoted to the senior Premier Soccer League team.

The youth tournament – which takes places from the 16th to 21st of April in Erica Park – promotes and nurtures young talent, and AmaZulu are confident they will walk away victorious.

“The boys have just departed to Cape Town and we hope they will make us and the province proud,” said AmaZulu spokesman Brilliant Makhathini.

Usuthu will be mentored by coach Lindokuhle Mkhize and club legend Joel Faya, who is now chief scout at the club.

AmaZulu were drawn in Group C alongside PSL side Bidvest Wits, Senaone Gunners, and Bellstar United.

Reigning champions Ajax Cape Town will also take part in the tournament along with fellow PSL clubs Kaizer Chiefs, Mpumalanga Black Aces, University of Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United.

Mkhize’s boys will not be the only side representing KZN in this tournament, which is also known as the Bay Hill Cup. They were play alongside fellow Durbanites eThekwini Coastal College.

AmaZulu Under-19 players are ready for the Metropolitan Premier Cup in Cape Town, which starts today until the 21st of April.
Pictures from: amazulu.net

Despite not being focused on the cash prize, AmaZulu will know that their pockets could be well lined should they take home the title. The winners will walk away with R35 000 and runners-up will be consoled with R20 000. The top goal scorer will pocket R2 000 and the player of the tournament will go home with R3 000.

The Bay Hill Cup started in 1989, and has produced the likes of Benni McCathy and other many great players.