As the football public gears up for one of the biggest tournaments on the African continent, if not the world – Here’s some food for thought…
It would have been a memorable, yet sad occasion, had the 37th edition of the Bayhill Premier Cup coincided with the birthday of one of its founding members, the legendary Roger Clayton.
Clayton, who passed away in 2020, would have celebrated his 76th birthday on April 17, 2026. Unfortunately, this day comes a week or so after the showpiece would have dropped its curtain for the 2026 event, with the Final taking place on 6 April at the Athlone Stadium. The tournament starts on 1 April at the Erica Park Complex in Belhar.
Alas! – It can be said with certainty that nobody would object to the notion that “Mr Bayhill’s” birthday and legacy could still be ‘celebrated’ at the event as the role and contribution of Clayton was just too immense and powerful to ignore or disregard.
A legend of the Beautiful Game – a true gentleman who described this showpiece as “a tournament of honest intentions, and that is to give youth footballers a chance to showcase their talent.”
Clayton always emphasized that this tournament belonged to the supporters and the players who made it special – and that’s also why it resonates with the local football public as this showpiece speaks to young and old. Claton was a person who was made for such an event.
He never allowed the prestige and fuss of the tournament to influence who he was. There was absolutely no ego involved – everything he did was for the benefit of those who were meant to benefit from the event – and that was the players. Having him around for so long helped the Bayhill to become what it is today.
While the rest of Cape Town and its surrounds praparer for their annual get-aways and vacation trips for the Easter weekend, football lovers from near and far are too content to come ‘camp out’ in Belhar – albeit with their hot cross buns and pickled fish.
Needless to say, the regulars who have frequented the Bayhill Cup over the years, have their own tales and anecdotes to share about this gem of a football administrator and human being.
The one striking aspect, which no one can deny, is that Clayton was a people’s person before anything else -whether you were a coach, club owner, journalist or just an ordinary football fan – Clayton treated everyone the same, with respect, dignity and kindness.
I remember during our earliest encounters, one would call up Clayton, sometimes late at night or even very early in the morning… Clayton would duly oblige and never has he made one feel a nuisance or disturbance.
And if Clayton could not assist directly or immediately, he would make it his mission to get back to you in order to help resolve whatever query or challenges one was faced with. On the contrary, Clayton would also take it very hard and personally if you could assist with a query which was far and few between.
This showed that he prided himself on transparency and accountability. There were so many experiences shared with Clayton, the masala steak sandwiches we enjoyed at Miriams, the fresh cream cakes he brought post the event… So many encounters at his workplace in Tokai – one can only share with heaps of praise and credit which Clayton duly deserved.
Perhaps, on the day of the respective finals in the Athlone Stadium, a happy birthday tribute could be a fitting gesture to acknowledge and commemorate an icon of the Bayhill that will forever live in the hearts and memories of everyone attached to this Easter spectacle.
Clayton might be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten! It’s safe to say, Clayton’s shoes will unfortunately never be filled – as there can, and always will be, ONLY ONE MR. BAYHILL…
Long live the memory of Roger Clayton!
