DABOYS 15 BOYS faced off against Pele FC in a gripping league encounter at Eldorado Park Extension 6 on 3 May 2025, with the match kicking off at 2:10pm. In a contest that ebbed and flowed, DABOYS 15 BOYS emerged victorious with a final score of 3-2, showcasing resilience and tactical prowess.
DABOYS 15 BOYS lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Quelin Bothma took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Jaun Lemmetjies on the right, Lequmeshan Kawinie and Devon Ryan in central defence, and Usain Pretorius on the left. The midfield trio featured Leighthan Malander on the right, Alizhan Timm centrally, and Deyano Olckers on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forward line. Up front, Keon Antoney and Geraldo Hermanus operated as right and left forwards respectively, with Dante Jeneke leading the line as the central striker. The substitutes for the match were Keandre VanWyk and Leonel Dalton.
The match began with both teams probing for an early advantage, but it was Pele FC who struck first, taking the lead in the 14th minute. The goal came as a shock to DABOYS 15 BOYS, who had been looking to assert their dominance early on. However, the home side responded positively, and just nine minutes later, Lequmeshan Kawinie levelled the scores with a stunning free-kick from outside the box, expertly curled in with his right foot.
As the first half progressed, DABOYS 15 BOYS began to find their rhythm, pushing forward with intent. In the 30th minute, tactical changes were made as Keandre VanWyk replaced Dante Jeneke, and Leonel Dalton came on for Leighthan Malander. The substitutions aimed to inject fresh energy into the team as they headed into the second half.
With the match at half-time and the score tied at 1-1, DABOYS 15 BOYS emerged from the break with renewed determination. Just five minutes into the second half, Deyano Olckers put the home side ahead with a brilliant long-range effort, assisted by Alizhan Timm’s precise short pass. This goal sent the crowd into raptures, as DABOYS 15 BOYS took a crucial 2-1 lead.
However, Pele FC were not to be outdone. They responded immediately, equalising just before the half-time whistle in the 45th minute, leaving the match finely poised at 2-2. The tension mounted as both teams fought for supremacy, with DABOYS 15 BOYS looking to regain their advantage.
In the 52nd minute, Keon Antoney received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour, a moment that highlighted the growing intensity of the match. Yet, DABOYS 15 BOYS maintained their composure, and in the 57th minute, Geraldo Hermanus scored what would prove to be the decisive goal. Following a long pass from Deyano Olckers, Hermanus found the back of the net with a right-footed strike from outside the box, restoring DABOYS 15 BOYS' lead at 3-2.
As the clock wound down, Pele FC pushed for an equaliser, but DABOYS 15 BOYS held firm, demonstrating solid defensive organisation and resilience. The final whistle blew, confirming a hard-fought victory for DABOYS 15 BOYS, who showcased their ability to respond to adversity and secure three vital points in the league. Devon Ryan's commanding performance in defence earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, a testament to his vital role in the team's success.
