Seven Heaven: Hurstville City Minotaurs Make Champion of Champions History

Hurstville City Minotaurs have cemented their place in NSW football history, claiming a record-breaking seventh Over 45s Champion of Champions title after defeating Eastwood St Andrews FC 3-0 at Valentine Sports Park last Sunday.

The Football St George powerhouse proved too strong for their opponents at the 56th Champion of Champions Finals, producing a commanding performance to add another chapter to an extraordinary footballing legacy.

Under the guidance of the much-admired Peter Sarikakis, affectionately known throughout the game as ‘The General’, the Minotaurs showed exactly why they remain the benchmark in Over 45s football.

Manuel Sarikakis opened the scoring before former Sydney Olympic NSL player Hussein Jomaa struck twice to seal an emphatic 3-0 victory, sparking celebrations for a team that continues to defy the years.

With seven Champion of Champions titles to their name, the Minotaurs have achieved a feat unmatched by any other team in the Over 45s competition, further strengthening their reputation as NSW’s most decorated side in the age group.

Their championship-winning years 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2025 and now 2026 tell the story of remarkable longevity, consistency and a winning culture that has endured across generations. While many teams experience their moment in the spotlight, the Minotaurs have repeatedly returned to the summit, demonstrating the commitment, belief and camaraderie that have become hallmarks of the club.

The latest triumph was a collective effort, with a host of experienced campaigners once again wearing the Minotaurs jersey with pride. Alongside Sarikakis and Jomaa, goalkeeper Dragan Pupovac, Sotirois Panagakis, John Consentino, John Skufris, Tom Pontidas, John Kyriazopoulous and Robert Hooker were just some of the players who helped deliver another memorable chapter for the club.

These footballers have rolled back the years time and again, combining their experience and understanding of the game with the competitive spirit that has made the Minotaurs such a formidable opponent. Their achievement is also a testament to the enduring appeal of veteran football, where the passion to compete remains as strong as ever and the bonds forged through years on the pitch continue to drive success.

Founded in 1985 under the leadership of Peter Sarikakis, Hurstville City Minotaurs have long been a stalwart of the St George football community. From juniors through to veterans, the club has fostered talent, strengthened community connections and built a proud tradition of achievement.

For the Minotaurs, this latest championship is about far more than adding another medal to the cabinet. It represents the identity of a club, the pride of a region and the enduring connection between a team and the community it represents.

With St George’s flag flying high once again, the Minotaurs have demonstrated that football success is not measured solely by age or time, but by the heart, experience and unwavering belief a team brings to the pitch.

Seven titles later, Hurstville City Minotaurs have once again made history, reinforcing their status as one of the most successful veteran sides in NSW football and proving that, under ‘The General’, their remarkable legacy continues to grow.