This past weekend saw the end of round six of the Bayhill Premier Cup at the Langa sports complex.
With the round-robin phase set for Wynberg on Saturday February 22 and Sunday February 23, the last 12 teams will qualify for a spot in the main event, scheduled for Easter week in Belhar in April.
Over the past three editions of the under-19 tournament, Ubuntu Football Academy, Vasco Da Gama and Hellenic prominently featured among the 24 teams remaining in this year’s play-offs.
Everton FC from Nyanga and Tafelzucht from Mitchell’s Plain are usually among the strong contenders but this past weekend they were among the teams eliminated.
Besides the top-performing teams, six sides to lookout for in the next round are Jomo’s Power AFC, Eagles Performance Academy, Dunoon Youth Sporting Academy, Antalyaspor JPM CT, Young Bafana Soccer Academy, and FC Porto.
Jomo’s Power had the biggest win of the weekend with a 6-0 thumping of Eerste River. Their attacking style uses the full width of the field, with fast-paced play down the flanks delivering dangerous crosses into the box – somewhat reminiscent of Junction Rovers in last year’s Bayhill tournament.
Eagles Performance Academy delivered a commanding performance against Everton FC. Known for their usual dominance in possession and control over the scoreline, Everton found themselves on the back foot as Eagles took the game to them, dictating play and securing a decisive 5-0 victory on Saturday morning.
Dunoon Youth Sporting Academy secured a solid 4-1 win over Salt River Blackpool. From the start, Dunoon kept Salt River’s goalkeeper busy. They excel getting ball into dangerous positions. They have problematic strikers that challenge the opposite centre-backs. Although lacking height up front, they excel at finding pockets of space to receive through passes after a well-timed diagonal run.
Antalyaspor JPM CT have been dominant this year, decisively beating every opponent. This side knows how to frustrate their opponents by keeping position while going forward. They sealed a commanding 4-0 win over Idas Valley from Stellenbosch on Saturday.
Young Bafana excel in teamwork, building from the back with confidence both on and off the ball. Their ability to control play and find the net makes them a formidable side. They secured a 2-0 victory over Fish Hoek AFC at the weekend.
And finally, FC Porto from Philippi. Despite their narrow 1-0 win over Bluedowns Spurs, their pressing game forces opponents into errors, allowing them to capitalise. With strong defensive midfielders dictating play, their pressing strategy has been effective.
In other results, Vasco Da Gama won 5-0 against De Beers. Ubuntu Football Academy secured a 4-0 victory over Ravensmead. Maties FC, another team to watch, won 4-1 against Young Chiefs. Valhalla United impressed with a 3-1 win over Stephanian Ottery.
Premier United earned a solid 4-2 victory over Geelbooi Sporting. Goodhope FC edged out Hazendal United 4-2. Manenberg Sporting Academy dominated Central AFC with a 3-0 win.
JL Zwane’s coach, Thando Sodinga, acknowledged the heat as a challenge but was pleased with their 1-0 victory over Bluegum United.
Aberdeen Soccer Club ended Seaside Spurs’ hopes in the Bayhill Cup with a late goal, winning 1-0. Delft FC defeated Cape Town Fusion 2-0. Masithandane secured a 1-0 win over Umtata United. Hellenic overcame Trinitarians 2-1. Rygersdal beat Ruyterwacht 3-1.
Ulana Soccer Academy edged out Hout Bay Football Community 1-0. Junction Rovers won 1-0 against Eyethu. Stanturf United claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Bellstar United. Maties FC defeated Young Chiefs 4-1 on Sunday. Kensington won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with FC Tafelzucht.
Last year’s finalists, FN Rangers St Agnes, advanced to round seven, scheduled for the William Herbert sports complex, with a 2-0 win over De Novo United.
