The curtain fell on the 2026 edition of the Bayhill Premier Cup at Athlone Stadium on Sunday, where Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town were crowned champions in front of a capacity crowd of 8 500.
The Bayhill Tournament successfully concluded its 37th edition, once again cementing its reputation as the premier u-19 football tournament on the continent. The competition kicked off on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, at Erica Park Stadium in Belhar, with the group stages.
Most prestigious
“The tournament has once again demonstrated why it remains one of Cape Town’s most prestigious and exciting sporting events, showcasing some of the best young football talent in the country while inspiring aspiring players and communities alike.
“We are proud to support the Bayhill Premier Cup because our investment in sports facilities, together with events like this is an investment in the future of our youth, helping to nurture talent, build character and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of South African football stars. I want to thank and commend everyone involved for their continued passion, dedication and contribution to the game,” said the City’s Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham.
With a vibrant atmosphere and an impressive crowd of 8 500 spectators in attendance, supporters filled Athlone Stadium, passionately cheering on their teams throughout the day.
After a series of thrilling matches, the tournament reached its climax when the final whistle blew, and Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town were crowned the 2026 Bayhill Champions after beating Mamelodi Sundowns FC 1-0.
Success
“A huge congratulations to everyone who played a role, on and off the field, in making the tournament a success. It was a celebration of sport, competition, friendship and unity and deserves its spot among the annual highlights on the calendar,” said JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety and Security.
The final match also featured a prestigious awards ceremony, where outstanding players were recognised for their exceptional performances. Awards of recognition and individual accomplishments handed out at the closing ceremony were:
Assistant Referee of the tournament: Akhona Khuse
Referee of the tournament: Sophumelela Gxowa
Top goal scorer: Denovian Davids
Manager of the tournament: Muziwakhe Dladla ( Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
Coach of the tournament: Gareth Ncanca – Head Coach Antalyaspor JPM CT
Most promising amateur team: Stanturf United
Team of the tournament: Antalyaspor JPM CT
Player of the Tournament: Setshaba Gaseitsiwe
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Ayaan Jacobs
Bruyns Plate final award runners-up: Hout Bay United FC
Bruyns Plate final award winners: Rygersdal FC
Pat Connolly Mid-Section Final, runners-up: Randburg FC
Pat Connolly Mid-Section Final, winners: Cape Town Spurs FC
Roger Clayton Trophy, runners-up: Mamelodi Sundowns FC
Roger Clayton Trophy winners: Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town
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