Premier Cup stalwart a soldier till the end

Friends, family, and extended Bayhill United family, organisers of the annual Premier Cup, paid tribute to tournament stalwart Patrick Connolly, 82, who died last week.

- FUAD ESACK

Club chairman John Rangoli fondly remembers the early days, the late-night meetings at Connoly's former home in Wynberg, and before that, their weekly gatherings at the Mitchell's Plain Town Centre branch of Metropolitan Life, where Connolly worked as a manager.

The tournament, which celebrated its 36th anniversary this year, has become synonymous with football development and a platform to unearth new talent, a rite of passage for players moving from amateur to pro ranks. And, says Rangoli, his mentor and fellow organising committee member, has helped to pave the way for many and was the vital link between the club, the branch office, and the head office, resulting in a long-standing relationship with the life insurer.

"His death comes as a big blow, if only we knew that this year would be his last tournament," he said.

"But I'm thankful that he has lived to see many of the things he had suggested, envisioned, things we discussed in our meetings and implemented over the years," Rangoli said.

"He was always pushing for young people to come through, to take over. The only thing he asked for was that they be passionate about the tournament."