As anticipation mounts for the 35th edition of the Bayhill Premier Cup, youth football enthusiasts eagerly await the clash of titans set to unfold at Erica Park in Belhar over the Easter Weekend Period. With 32 teams vying for supremacy, this tournament stands as one of the continent’s premier showcases of burgeoning talent, where future stars are born and dreams take flight.
In a weekend marked by anticipation and excitement, the draw for the tournament was unveiled, setting the stage for an electrifying display of skill, determination, and raw talent. This year, some of the biggest names in South African youth football will converge in the quest for glory, each eager to stake their claim as the best U19 team in Mzansi.
Among the esteemed participants are academy sides from DSTV Premiership heavyweights, including Mamelodi Sundowns, Cape Town Spurs, Cape Town City, Stellenbosch FC, and Chippa United. Additionally, teams from the Motsepe Foundation Championship, such as Tuks and Hungry Lions, will add another layer of competition to the mix, ensuring a spectacle of unparalleled intensity.
For 35 years, the Bayhill Premier Cup has served as a breeding ground for some of South Africa’s most illustrious footballing talents. From the likes of Thulani Serero and Brandon Peterson to Luke Le Roux and AFCON bronze medalist Oswin Appolis, the tournament has consistently unearthed gems destined for greatness. Once again, football aficionados will be treated to a showcase of skill and potential in the picturesque backdrop of the Cape.
As teams gear up to battle it out on the pitch, the draw has set the stage for riveting matchups and thrilling encounters. Here are the groups and raw results:
GROUP A
- Bayhill United
- Virginia Academy
- Young Bafana
- Clover FC
GROUP B
- Cape Town City
- SAFA CT Academy
- Ubuntu Academy
- Westridge FC
GROUP C
- Chippa United
- FC Porto
- Hanover Park
- Rygersdal
GROUP D
- Stellenbosch
- Highlands Park
- Rebels FC
- Amalawu’s FC
GROUP E
- AmaTuks
- Junction Rovers
- SSS Academy
- Elsies River United
GROUP F
- Cape Town Spurs
- Everton
- Shayamoya Academy
- Velocity Football Academy
GROUP G
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- Hungry Lions
- FC Real SA
- Celtic United
GROUP H
- Grassy Park United
- Windhoek Gymnasium
- Leeds United
- FN Rangers
With the final slated to take place at the illustrious Athlone Stadium, the stage is set for an unforgettable showcase of South Africa’s finest young footballing talent. As the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes turn to Erica Park, where dreams will be realized, and legends will be born. Here’s to another year of exhilarating football and the enduring legacy of the Bayhill Premier Cup.
