Soccer ‘masters’ kick off league
Newcastle Legends, Madadeni Masters, Estcourt Old Crocks and Ladysmith Masters were in action.
On July 23, the Newcastle Social Soccer League (NSSL) launched the City of Refuge Masters League.
The NSSL’s Mervyn Maharaj said the league is comprised of Newcastle Legends, Volksrust Masters, Madadeni Masters, Estcourt Old Crocks and Ladysmith Masters, each made up of players older than 45. Four of these five teams played each other in a ‘top four knockout challenge’.
In the first game, Legends took on Estcourt. Legends were said to have squandered many chances until the end of the first half, when midfielder, Pat Viera scored the only goal of the match.
In match two, Madadeni faced Ladysmith with the former scoring first. Madadeni played good, fluent football while Ladysmith seemed to struggle with the pitch. In the second half however, four substitutions made Ladysmith seem like a different team and led to a 2-1 win.
The third game of the day saw Legends and Ladysmith going head-to-head. While Ladysmith applied early pressure, quick distribution from Legends goalkeeper, Shani Balraj saw Akesh Dawlall collect the ball on the halfway line, run up, then fire a thunderbolt past the advancing goalie.
Ladysmith got the equaliser almost immediately and in the second half, both teams were more patient. With 10 minutes left, Viera scored a long-range second goal for Legends. In the final play of the game, Dawlall scored to emphasise the Legends victory.
The next set of Masters League games takes place on August 21 in Ladysmith.
The following day (July 24), the NSSL Pro Division continued. Zim Stars fought to a hard-fought draw against Malawi FC (2-2) in a showing of character and perseverance. A poor showing from Legends FC saw them drop a point against Uloom FC – coach, Pranil Kunju was furious with his team for not closing the gap on log leaders, Malawi.
The day’s final game saw Spartans, despite a poor run of form, humiliating Fairleigh United by 8 goals to 2. Manager, Smoothie Wood expressed pride at his players and commended the loyal team supporters.
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