Image: Ollynetic Lens
Day one of the Bayhill Premier Cup kicked off on Wednesday 27 March 2024 with young players doing their ultimate best to show off their unique attributes and skills at Erica Park in Belhar.
The 35th edition of the prestigious youth soccer tournament features 32 teams from the Western Cape, South Africa, and overseas. It’s a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
It’s also a lot of fun – and some of the best football around.
Ubuntu Academy Shines Bright, Spurs Kick Off Strong
The first day of the Bayhill Premier Cup showcased Ubuntu Academy’s dominance, clinching a remarkable 9-0 victory against Westridge FC in the tournament opener. This resounding win highlighted for many the vast chasm between academy outfits and Local Football Association teams. From the onset, Ubuntu Academy asserted their authority, with four players netting braces in a commanding Group B triumph.
Meanwhile, in Group F, Cape Town Spurs, last year’s finalists and the 2022 champions, kicked off their campaign on a high (but not unexpected) note, securing a convincing victory over Everton FC.
Surprising Results and Gritty Performances
Not all the games were that straightforward, though – there were great performances, unexpected upsets, and more than a few surprises as well.
Group D witnessed a stalemate as Stellenbosch FC, a formidable contender, settled for a 1-1 draw against Rebels FC. Led by former Cape Town City midfielder Aphelele Mabhongo, Rebels FC showcased resilience and determination from Khayelitsha.
Hanover Park and Rygersdal gave us a thriller, with both teams going toe-to-toe throughout the game. But sharing the spoils 2-2 in the end, because neither team wanted to lose on their opening day.
The FC Porto versus Greenwood Athletic game was a game of two halves. The Philippi-based Porto team completely dominated the first half, scoring two goals, but then became complacent as Athletic gained confidence, pulling one back and making a great spectacle of it. But it was not quite enough to equalise, and Porto took home the victory in the end.
The day concluded with a Group B upset, as tournament favourites Cape Town City suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat against SAFA Cape Town Academy. Comprising talent from teams that missed out in the qualification playoffs, SAFA Cape Town Academy outshone City, capitalising on their growing momentum throughout the match.
Bayhill Cup Day One Results
- Ubuntu Academy 9-0 Westridge FC
- Young Bafana 1-0 Clover FC
- Hanover Park 2-2 Rygersdal
- SSS Academy 1-0 Elsies River
- Cape Town Spurs 3-0 Everton FC
- Stellenbosch 1-1 Rebels FC
- Greenwood Athletic 1-2 FC Porto
- Cape Town City 0-1 SAFA Cape Town Academy
It’s Only Just Begun – Anticipation Builds for Day Two
The electric atmosphere created by the Bayhill Premier Cup crowd set the stage for an exhilarating tournament ahead, and we anticipate witnessing the emergence of many future soccer stars on their journey to the grand finale. Stay tuned for day two!
