In a gripping league match held at Eldorado Park Extension 6 on 13 July 2025, DABOYSFC 17 BOYS emerged victorious against Pele FC with a final score of 2-1. The match kicked off at 11:00 am and showcased a blend of skill, determination, and tactical prowess from both sides.
DABOYSFC 17 BOYS lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Tristan Steyn took his position in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Jaylin Nell on the right, Clinton Hornby and Jayden Moorkey as central defenders, and Linden Zacheus on the left. Kaylin Louw operated as a lone defensive midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and facilitating play. Ahead of him, Justin Bowers and Luqmaan Van Schalkwyk occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, while Liam Scholtz, Casavin Booysens, and Leonardo Malaza formed a potent forward line, with Malaza expected to lead the charge.
The substitutes for DABOYSFC 17 BOYS included Quenlin Zovetski, Cristiano Petersen, and Zaidin Fisher, who would later play crucial roles in the match.
The opening stages of the match saw DABOYSFC 17 BOYS assert their dominance, and it was Leonardo Malaza who broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. He found space inside the box and slotted the ball home, sending the home crowd into raptures. Just eight minutes later, Malaza struck again, doubling the lead with another well-placed finish from inside the area in the 21st minute.
Pele FC, however, were not to be outdone and responded with determination. They managed to pull one back in the 30th minute, scoring from a well-executed move that caught the DABOYSFC defence off guard. This goal injected new life into the match, and the first half concluded with DABOYSFC leading 2-1.
As the second half commenced, DABOYSFC made their first substitution, bringing on Quenlin Zovetski for the influential Malaza in the 45th minute. This change aimed to maintain the attacking momentum while providing fresh legs on the pitch. Shortly after, in the 50th minute, Cristiano Petersen replaced Casavin Booysens, adding further depth to the forward line.
The match continued to be fiercely contested, and in the 55th minute, Zaidin Fisher came on for Justin Bowers, as DABOYSFC sought to bolster their midfield presence. However, the game took a more heated turn in the 60th minute when Clinton Hornby received a yellow card for dissent, a decision that highlighted the mounting pressure on the players.
Pele FC also faced disciplinary action, with one of their players receiving a yellow card in the 65th minute for a bad tackle, reflecting the intensity of the contest.
As the match drew to a close, DABOYSFC 17 BOYS held firm against Pele FC's attempts to equalise, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 2-1 victory for DABOYSFC, with Kaylin Louw earning accolades for his commanding performance in midfield, orchestrating play and providing crucial support to both defence and attack.
