And so the curtain has dropped on the 37th edition of the Bayhill Premier Cup for 2026.
Needless to say, this Easter spectacle came and went in a flash – but most importantly the title stayed in Cape Town following Antalpasor JPM Cape Town’s maiden success under the tutelage of a former pro player in Gareth Ncaca.
This year was particularly an historic occasion from a local perspective as it was the first year that two local players from the proverbial ghettos in Elsies River in the Northern Suburbs faced off on opposite sides and both chasing glory.
One can only imagine how proud these two respective captains, Junaid Vlotman (pictured right) from Antalyaspor and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Liam Marthinus (pictured left) were on the day when they led out their respective teams at the Home of Football in the Mother City in front of their home crowd – let alone their family and friends.
It was indeed fairytale stuff and what dreams are made of for these two 18-year-olds as it embodied the true essence of the Bayhill Cup… How proud the late Roger Clayton would not have been for this magical moment as this is why the tournament was brought about – to highlight local talent on the Cape Flats.
This feat should also serve as a motivation for young aspiring footballers that nothing is impossible irrespective how far fetched their goals may seem.
Vlotman, an 18-year-old product from Riverside Rangers hails from Leonsdale in Elsies River was one of the first intakes when Antalyaspor opened their academy about three years ago while Marthinus who learnt his tricks of the trade by Elsies Rivier FC, was poached by the Brazilians in 2025.
Mind you, Marthinus was also part of the Eslsies Rivier side that were controversially booted out of the tournament with the socks debacle two years ago – but even that disappointment did not derail his dreams and ambitions and again, something a lot of young players can learn from.
In fact, the lanky defender was poached by Sundowns that very same year despite the fact that their tournament ended on a disappointing note.
It was a very emotional occasion for Vlotman for more reasons than one as he lost his older brother Luciano a couple of weeks prior following a shooting incident in Elsies River.
“That’s why it was for me personally a very emotional moment, you know,” Vlotman told No Bones with Jones. “Winning the Bayhill at Athlone stadium in front of my family was a beautiful moment for me because no words could describe the way I felt because it was a dream come true and it wasn’t easy but with myself motivating my teammates.
“I think it kept them focused and hungry. I was proud of myself because I was very calm on the field and my hard work has officially paid off . Another reason is because it’s my last year and I think personally the work that each and every player had put in was very exciting and it made me believe that we are capable of winning this Bayhill title.
“I’ve asked my team to work hard so that we can win the tournament this year seeing that. It wasn’t an easy road because as you know the games come quick in succession after and the legs start to cramp and hurt etc, but thanks to our physios who kept us fresh and in great shape,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, No Bones with Jones reached out to Marthinus who was still travelling back to Pretoria and could not be reached for comment.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY THOMAS CAROLUS
2 Responses
Junaid Vlotman is one special prospect Cape Town, South Africa should watch out for. He is truly gifted and football is part of his DNA. Growing up we’ve always played soccer in tbe streets, 5s pitch and I’ve personally watched him become the best version of himself each time. Big Ups to Antalyaspor for taking in Junaid and believing in him. He has become a great inspiration to the boys of Elsiesrivier.
What an inspiring story. I am from Elsies River and Liam visit my place last year together with another talented player from Elsies River namely Luke Baartman. These young men from Elsies are indeed a great example to so many young boys and girls out there. It shows that your area does not determine your destiny 🙏. What made this tournament so exceptional is that Gareth Ncaca is an ex learner of mine ! So it was indeed a very proud day. I just hope that the talented young players who played in the Bayhill get their opportunities or breaks to play for top clubs🙏🙏.