Green Point Salesian FC edge closer to Bayhill Premier Cup dream

Green Point Salesian FC have been enjoying a strong run in the Bayhill Premier Cup play-offs and one more round will see the side take part in the Easter tournament football spectacle.

At the weekend in Matroosfontein, Salesian ran out comfortable 3-0 victors against FC Porto to book their spot in the round robin stages. It is there where the side will aim to be among the top 12 teams that progress from the play-offs to the tournament proper.

The club takes pride in the steady work that has been done over the past few years to compete with some of Cape Town’s top junior football clubs.

If the recent play-off matches are anything to go by, Salesian have proven they belong among the competitive sides in the Cape Metropole.

Should they make it past the round robin stages, they stand a chance of causing a few upsets during the tournament.

The competition not only presents an opportunity to compete, but it is also where some of South Africa’s best footballers have been scouted.

Club chairman Keagan Halley says this is the result of patient work by the club’s management after navigating challenging times in the past.

“The road to qualifying for the Bayhill Premier Cup 2026 was not a journey that started this season. It’s taken years of building our under-18/under-19 squad. Our football club went through a full juniors revamp since 2018 when Cape Town experienced one of the worst droughts in history, resulting in the club losing junior football players due to the non-availability of games during the water crisis.

“We had to start afresh and build on a solid foundation from our minis section (ages 6 – 11 years). We started an under-12 side which, over the years, helped us establish the team we have today,” said Halley.

Club PRO Rodney Brooks said reaching the round robin stages is a major achievement and a sign of progress for the club.

“This year’s campaign reflects the steady work done by players, head coach David, volunteers and families who support the club week in and week out. Bayhill is more than just a tournament.

"It offers exposure to high-level competition, access to top scouts, the chance to test themselves against strong opposition, and invaluable life experience both on and off the field,” he said.