Zulu powers Verulam Sporting to commanding victory

VERULAM Sporting delivered a masterclass performance in the scorching heat, thrashing Longcroft Falcons 5-0 with Lungelo "Myamfu" Zulu completing a hat-trick.

With just three fixtures remaining, the table-toppers have strengthened their grip on the eThekwini Masters Over 50s League title.

With just three fixtures remaining, the table-toppers showed no signs of slowing down, producing another commanding display that left the visiting Falcons chasing shadows for much of the match.

Sporting started with trademark intensity - quick, direct and relentless.

The breakthrough came as early as the 7th minute when a corner from Tsepo Ntsoane found Print Mtshali, whose sharp strike was deflected into the net for the opener.

Five minutes later, Lungelo “Nyamfu” Zulu doubled the lead, controlling a clever through ball before firing a precise low shot into the corner. The Falcons barely had time to settle before Mtshali struck again, weaving past two defenders and blasting home in his

second to make it 3-0 inside of 20 minutes.

Even the mid-half water break did little to cook Sporting’s momentum.

A clumsy challenge from the Flacons goalkeeper resulted in a penalty, calmly converted by Zulu to give the hosts a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.

The second half brought a few tactical changes, but Sporting’s dominance continued.

While goalkeeper “Bullet” Naidoo was largely untested, he produced a fine reflex save to preserve the clean sheet. The highlight of the half came in the 57th minute when Zulu completed his hat-trick with a thunderous half volley that drew cheers from the home supporters and sealed a memorable 5-0 triumph.

“We are humbled in our victory and gracious in our defeat,” said club PRO Salva Govender.

“Defensively, Sporting were rock solid once again. The experienced pairing of Logie Naidoo and Tsepo Ntsoane anchored the right side superbly, while the return of crowd favourite Martin Kalideen from injury added further depth and confidence to the squad,” he said.

“We have been consistent and composed the team showed real professionalism,” said assistant manager Elvin Devars after the match.

“Clean sheets are as important as the goals - and the players know exactly what’s at stake,” he added.

With just two matches remaining, Verulam Sporting remain firmly in pole position, their sights set squarely on the league title.

Next Fixture: Inanda Legends vs Verulam Sporting, on Saturday, at the Westville Prison Grounds, with kick off at 3pm.

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