In an age where young footballers are finding it increasingly tough to commit, it’s no surprise to see the Maccabi London Lions Masters’ team on top of their game, and winning things.
Players of the calibre of Andrew Myers, Tony Gold, Jon Rayner and Adam Myeroff have been there, seen it and done it at a higher level, while the likes of Alex Levack, Paul Lenchner and Saul Conway are the new kids on the block, in terms of veterans’ football.
To beat a team featuring a plethora of ex-professionals is not something that should be taken lightly.
Indeed these are the very same boys who have been prominent figures on the backpages of this newspaper for the last 20 or so years. They still have the drive, hunger, passion and commitment to succeed on the football pitch and are players which any youngster dreaming of one day representing Team GB at a Maccabiah Games should either speak to or watch.
* Speaking of youth, Nyv Bogaire made his Isthmian League Premier Division debut for Hendon, aged 17. A product of the club’s U18 team, he earned praise from Hendon boss Gary McCann after the 3-1 defeat against Tonbridge Angels. McCann said:
"I was really pleased with the energy that Nyv gave us in the final half-hour. He gives me great hope for the future.” Bogaire made the starting XI in Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat against Brentwood Town, for whom Mitch Hahn started on the bench.
* Scrabble FC will be looking to secure the first MGBSFL title of the season when they travel to Faithfold C on Sunday. Ray Abrahams’s troops have marked their first season back in the league with an excellent run of 18 victories in 20 matches. Victory at the Hive would be just reward for a talented group of players.
Free-scoring midfielder Elliott Espinoza told me he’s “flattered” by interest from Oakwood B boss Jason Stein, but is "going nowhere".
* The officials for the Cyril Anekstein Cup final between North London Raiders A and Oakwood A at Wingate & Finchley on April 17 have been confirmed. David Lazarus has been appointed referee, assisted by Stuart Ansher and Bob Caplin. Mark Jacob is the fourth official and reserve referee.
* Tributes have been pouring in for South African tennis legend Abe Segal who lost his battle with cancer, aged 85. The four-time national champion and Davis Cup player made his name in the Men’s Doubles competition, twice finishing runner-up at the French Open. Tennis South Africa president Gavin Crookes said: “He was highly respected around the world and he will be a loss to our sport."
