Belchester Futsal Club’s ballers delivered a podium finish in the season-opening provincial tournament last week.

Taking on the best futsal (five-a-side indoor soccer) teams from across KZN, the Tongaat team came out swinging and took their momentum all the way to the final.

In the first match, they took on last year’s finalists Maritzburg Hotspurs and needed to produce quality football to avoid an early defeat.

It was a close affair, but Belchester were able to grind out a 3-1 win and progress to a local derby against Tongaat Suburbs.

There was no denying who took local bragging rights however, as Belchester closed out a dominant 4-0 win against their area rivals and moved to the top of their group.

Next up was the early ‘game of the competition’ which pitted the Tongaat side against tournament favourites eThekwini City, a formidable team helmed by national futsal coach Chris Naidoo.

The men from eThekwini took an early lead but Belchester clawed their way back into the game with a leveller just before the break.

It was close throughout the second half but eThekwini’s two late goals proved too much to overcome and the scoreline read 3-1.

The final group fixture saw Belchester comfortably beat Pietermaritzburg-based Hugos FC 5-0.

A semi-final rematch against Maritzburg Hotspurs soon beckoned, with the inlanders seeking revenge for the group defeat.

The game was tense throughout and neither team could break the deadlock in regulation time.

Led by captain Reagan Swartbooi, Belchester put on an extra-time clinic, scoring two goals to send them to a finals rematch against eThekwini.

A flurry of early eThekwini goals meant it was not the final Belchester had hoped for, but their overall tournament performance bodes well for the rest of the calendar.

“The boys showed great character and big heart for the team and game, featuring among the best in the province,” said manager Chrissy Pillay.

“Belchester FC is a force to reckon with, as we have a young squad and we look forward to playing in the upcoming provincial futsal league which is due to kick off shortly.”

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