Champions crowned at thrilling 2026 Gerald Chetty tournament - IOL

Two of the crowd favorites, Foresthaven Sporting and Falcons Football Club did not disappoint in their face-off.

The power of grassroots football and the growing stature of local sports took centre stage as the fifth edition of the Gerald Chetty Memorial Tournament concluded following six weeks of intense, high-calibre competition at the Sacchrine Grounds in Phoenix.

What began as a local tribute has evolved into a premier fixture on the regional sporting calendar. This year's tournament showcased the immense talent within amateur football, highlighted by Foresthaven Sporting’s dominant sweep across the junior divisions and Mount Edgecombe Springboks securing the coveted Premier League title.

Running from July 31 to September 13, the 2026 showpiece brought together 19 junior and senior divisions, including three female categories from the Phoenix Local Football Association, reinforcing the event's commitment to community development and inclusive sport.

Paying tribute to the collective effort behind the event, tournament chairperson Lenny ‘Scara’ Govender expressed his gratitude to the participating clubs for their dedication.

“A huge thank you to all our clubs for helping us ensure that the tournament started and finished on the dates planned,” Govender said.

“A special thank you to those clubs who made sacrifices and stepped outside of their comfort zones to accommodate fixture scheduling, especially our junior teams. Your cooperation and understanding played a massive role in the success of this tournament.”

Govender also commended the players, coaches, managers, and club officials for competing in the true spirit of the game, noting that their camaraderie and passion were central to the tournament's success.

The organizing committee extended its appreciation to the Phoenix Local Football Association, as well as Jerome Chetty, the Chetty family, and Syndicate Transport. Their ongoing sponsorship continues to provide a crucial foundation for youth development, keeping local youngsters active, disciplined, and focused while offering a springboard for rising talent.