Verulam Sporting FC crowned Ethekwini Masters Over 50s League champions

The wind swept across the Verulam Recreation Grounds on Saturday afternoon, but nothing could dim the electric atmosphere as supporters, young, old, and proudly local, gathered to witness history. After months of grit, unity, and unshakeable belief, Verulam Sporting were crowned champions of the Ethekwini Masters Over 50s League, sealing their fairy-tale debut season with a convincing 3–1 victory over Durban Sporting.

For many in Verulam, Phoenix, and Chatsworth, communities where football has long been the heartbeat of weekends, this triumph is more than just a league title. It is the revival of an era when local grounds overflowed with families, camaraderie, and the unmistakable spirit of township football.

From the first whistle, Verulam showed they wanted it. The early midfield battles were gritty and physical, reminiscent of the old Federation and amateur league clashes that once drew crowds from across Durban. In just the 10th minute, the breakthrough arrived: Njinga Mathebula danced through defenders with his trademark, twisting run before hammering home the opener, a goal that instantly settled the nerves of the packed home crowd.

The stadium erupted again when Captain Fantastic, Tsepo Ntsoane, delivered a sublime cross for Thulani Goqo, whose perfectly timed run doubled the lead. It was Over-50s football, yes  but with an intensity and fitness level that would not have looked out of place in the Motsepe League.

Just before halftime, Mathebula was brought down in the box, prompting a penalty coolly converted by the ever-reliable Nyamfu Zulu, giving Sporting a commanding 3–0 lead at the break and sending supporters into dreamland.

Durban Sporting, aided by a strong tailwind, pulled one back in the second half, only the tenth goal conceded by Verulam’s defensive wall and their consistent keeper, Bullet Naidoo, all season. But Verulam’s composure never wavered. Their passing, discipline, and sheer willpower carried them through to the final whistle.

As celebrations swept across the ground, club chairman Lenny Moonsamy reflected on the journey, “This title represents sacrifice and belief. We’ve done this without a sponsor. Now we hope local businesses will join us  because Verulam football is back on the map, exactly where it belongs.”

For Verulam Sporting, this is not the end. It is the beginning of a proud new era, one that communities across Durban can celebrate together.