Cape Town’s Antalyaspor JPM CT will carry the region’s hopes into the Bayhill Premier Cup final after securing a hard-fought semi-final victory, setting up a clash with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Antalyaspor booked their place in the final after edging Stellenbosch FC in a tense semi-final encounter at Erica Park in Belhar. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout where the Cape side held their nerve to advance.
The result sets up a high-profile final against Mamelodi Sundowns’ under-19 side, who secured their spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Nyanga-based Everton FC in the other semi-final.
Everton’s run to the semi-finals had been one of the standout stories of the tournament. Despite an early setback in the group stages, the Nyanga side delivered strong performances to reach the knockout rounds, including victories over Hout Bay UFC and CR Vasco da Gama.
Their progression continued with a 4-0 win against Jomo’s Power from Atlantis, followed by a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Eagles Performance Academy in the quarter-finals. However, their journey came to an end against Sundowns, whose experience and quality proved decisive.
Antalyaspor’s path to the final has also been marked by consistency and resilience. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Mitchells Plain’s Stanturf FC, followed by a 2-2 draw against hosts Bayhill United and a dominant 7-1 victory over Balobathaba FC.
In the knockout stages, they defeated former champions Chippa United from Philippi before overcoming Randburg AFC in the quarter-finals, building momentum heading into the semi-finals.
Head coach Mabhuti Ncaca, known as “Gazza”, has previously competed in the tournament with other teams and expressed his ambition to go further this time.
“I have been here before with different teams. I’ve reached the last 16, gone beyond it, and even won the Plate section,” Ncaca said. “But this time, I want to go one step further.”
The final is set to take place at Athlone Stadium on Easter Monday, where Antalyaspor will look to complete their impressive run and secure the title against one of the country’s top youth sides.
Source: Southern Suburbs Tatler – Fuad Esack
