ORLANDO Pirates juniors will feature in the Metropolitan Bayhill Easter Cup in Cape Town this weekend, their first appearance in five years.

ORLANDO Pirates juniors will feature in the Metropolitan Bayhill Easter Cup in Cape Town this weekend, their first appearance in five years.

The first and last time Pirates took part was in 2005 when they were beaten 1-0 by the Transnet Football School of Excellence in the semifinals.

At that stage Pirates had assembled a strong team that included Lebohang Mokoena, Phumudzo Manenzhe and Kelebogile Mabe.

"We are excited to be back in the event. We are going to fetch a gold medal this time around after losing in the semifinals five years ago," said Bucs technical director Augusto Palacios.

The junior Pirates left for Cape Town yesterday.

Also off to Cape Town are the Floyd Mogale-guided Mamelodi Sundowns, who clinched the title last year and are tipped to make it two in a row.

"It will be a tough one in Cape Town but we are determined to win. Bayhill Cup is a big tournament, which has a massive track record of unearthing new South African stars. We will also use the opportunity to scout for new players, there will be talent in abundance in Cape Town," said Mogale, who has an eye for talent.

Sundowns leave today.

Local sides Ajax Cape Town and Santos will also take part in the tournament. Some of the household names who have featured in the Bayhill Cup include Steven Pienaar, Zitha Mofokeng, Nasief Morris, Nathan Paulse, Erwin Isaacs and Romano Scott.