Beacon Spurs off to promising start in Premier Cup qualifiers

Mark Ward

Beacon Spurs have made an encouraging start to their quest to qualify for the prestigious Bayhill Premier Cup after a convincing opening-round victory at the Manenberg Sports Complex on Sunday. Spurs kicked off their campaign in the qualifying rounds for the 38th edition of the celebrated youth tournament with a 3–1 win over Hazendal, laying down an early marker in a fiercely contested phase of the competition.

Livewire striker Yusuf Bester was the standout performer, netting a brace to put his side in control, while Keon Netherland sealed the result with a well-taken strike in the second half.

The victory keeps the Mitchells Plain-based side firmly in contention as they attempt to navigate the demanding qualification rounds, which feature close to 100 teams battling for a place among the final 32 who will earn the right to compete in the main tournament.

The Premier Cup will once again be hosted at Erica Park in Belhar over the Easter weekend, where South Africa’s top emerging youth football talent is traditionally showcased.

Spurs’ coach, Shahiem “Mookie” Mookadam, expressed cautious optimism following the win, acknowledging both the promise shown by his players and the challenges that still lie ahead, while highlighting the unpredictable nature of the qualifying rounds.

“Look, it is still early days, but we remain hopeful. There are several teams, especially from our area, involved in the qualifiers. I have been coaching many of our boys through the ranks. That helps in terms of understanding their mindset and capabilities. The qualifying stage is always tough. One bad game and you are out. But the boys showed good character against Hazendal, and that is something we can build on. We are now looking forward to the next round,” said Mookadam.