In a pulsating league match at Eldorado Park Extension 6 on 1 May 2025, DABOYSFC 17 BOYS emerged victorious against Salem City FC, clinching a 5-3 win. The match kicked off at 11:00 am, showcasing an exhilarating display of attacking football from both sides.
DABOYSFC 17 BOYS lined up in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, designed to maximise their attacking prowess while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Linden Zacheus took his place between the sticks as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four consisting of Jaylin Nell on the right, Colby Jacobs and Jayden Moorkey in central defence, and Aden Holland on the left. The midfield trio featured Zaidin Fisher on the right, Kaylin Louw in the centre, and Delon Makhamba on the left, providing both creativity and support to the forward line. Up front, Leonardo Malaza and Monte Bruiners operated as right and left forwards respectively, with Cristiano Petersen leading the line as the striker. The substitutes for the match included Luqmaan Van Schalkwyk, Keyon Fredericks, and Christian Assy.
The match began with DABOYSFC 17 BOYS asserting their dominance early on. In the 11th minute, Jaylin Nell opened the scoring with a close-range tap-in, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Salem City FC. However, the visitors responded swiftly, equalising just six minutes later through a well-placed effort that caught the home defence off guard.
Undeterred, DABOYSFC 17 BOYS regained the lead in the 23rd minute when Cristiano Petersen unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box, sending the ball soaring into the net. The home side's joy was short-lived, as Salem City FC struck back again in the 28th minute, levelling the score at 2-2.
The back-and-forth nature of the match continued, and in the 33rd minute, DABOYSFC 17 BOYS took the lead once more. Jaylin Nell turned provider this time, delivering a long pass to Leonardo Malaza, who finished expertly inside the box to make it 3-2.
As the first half concluded, the score stood at 3-2 in favour of DABOYSFC 17 BOYS., Half time substitute was made Delon Makhamba was substituted off for Luqmaan Van Schalkwyk, as DABOYSFC 17 BOYS looked to maintain their momentum.
The second half commenced with Salem City FC making a spirited effort to equalise again. However, it was DABOYSFC 17 BOYS who struck first after the break. In the 37th minute, Jaylin Nell scored his second goal of the match, finishing off a well-executed move with a right-footed shot, assisted by Monte Bruiners.
The home side made further changes in the second half, with Keyon Fredericks replacing Zaidin Fisher at half-time and Christian Assy coming on for Leonardo Malaza in the 52nd minute. Salem City FC managed to pull one back in the 54th minute, narrowing the deficit to 4-3, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
However, DABOYSFC 17 BOYS responded decisively in the 60th minute when Monte Bruiners scored, assisted by Keyon Fredericks, extending their lead to 5-3. The home side showcased resilience and tactical discipline, successfully managing the game as it approached its conclusion.
Despite Salem City FC's attempts to mount a late comeback, DABOYSFC 17 BOYS held firm, securing a well-deserved victory. The match was a testament to the attacking flair and determination of DABOYSFC 17 BOYS, with Jaylin Nell earning the accolade of Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
