The name of the former Bafana Bafana midfielder Lance Davids (pictured)will forever be etched in the history of the Bayhill Premier Cup (BPC).
This comes after the organisers of the u.19 Easter spectacle have roped in Davids to become the event’s very first ambassador for the 37th edition of the Bayhill which will take place from 1-6 April at the Erica Park Sport Complex in Belhar.
According to the former Ajax Cape Town player, who also had stints overseas with clubs like 1860 Munich, Djurarden and Lierse, this is an achievement of note and that would have made his late dad Godfrey Davids extremely proud.
“Thank you so much for this incredible honour,” Davids shared with No Bones with Jones. “To be named the first Ambassador of the BPC is truly humbling, and I accept it with a deep sense of pride and gratitude.
“I am deeply honoured to stand as the first recognised ambassador for 2026, and I know I’m in good company with the other ex-professionals who are also coming back to give back. This is a special movement, and I’m proud to be part of it,” he professed.
The Mitchells Plain born Davids has also made his mark at the event as a youngster for Hellenic back in 1998 and has now gone the proverbial full circle.
Since he retired from football in 2015, he has been working as a Family Advisor for Football First in Belgium where he also scouts promising talent from the local shores in Cape Town and the broader South Africa and represents players likes Tashreeq Matthews, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, Brandon Petersen, Thapelo Maseko, Renaldo Leaner and Ime Okon.
The 41-year-old also acknowledged that the Bayhill cup has played an integral part in his career even after he hung up his boots in 2015.
“The BPC has become a massive part of my life, and it’s no exaggeration to say that I structure my year around that Easter weekend in Cape Town,” he further stated.
“It has become my home away from home, a place of connection, growth, and pure football passion. To hear that my contributions have made a difference means the world to me, but the truth is, the BPC has given me just as much as I’ve given it.
“Returning from Belgium year after year isn’t a chore, it’s a privilege. It’s my chance to reconnect with the soil, to come back to Cape Town, and to be rooted in the community that shaped me. Being able to help foster the growth of the event, share advice, and even spot a bit of talent along the way – that’s not work, that’s my duty and my joy,” he explained.
“And seeing those players go on to further their careers is exactly what this is all about. Thank you again for this recognition. I look forward to continuing to support the BPC and our community for many years to come. I’ll see you in Cape Town,” Davids concluded.
Meanwhile, the tournament director, Rayaan Alie explained the rationale behind Davids’ ambassador role.
We intend to acknowledge all our alumni that have taken time to give back to the BPC and Lance has been a consistent contributor to our success,” Alie pointed out. “He has become a household brand at the BPC over the years and has made Cape Town his travel destination of choice over the Easter weekend.
Alie explained to No Bones with Jones. “His willingness to help foster the growth of the event is commendable – he is always a call away for advice and help. For several years a scout, the tournament has also aided in Lance finding talent and these players have gone on to further their respective careers.
We salute Lance Davids – son of the soil – proudly Mitchell’s Plain and rooted in our community even though he lives abroad. From Belgium to Cape Town for the last years is a commitment enough for us.
“We additionally recognise other ex-professionals who are also coming closer to give back, we will however make a start with one recognised ambassador per year – and the 2026 ambassador is Lance Davids,” Alie stated.
Davids will be joined by Sinosipho Mali and Tera Maliwa on their scouting and analyst program on day one of the tournament.
“This is another first for us as we help get the best talent spotted and onto the conveyor belt to professional football in SA and abroad,” Alie concluded.
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