Kwa-Thema – A thrilling U15 game between Selcourt Estate FC and Sparrow FA got off to a rocky start as both teams seemed nervous. The match took place at the Kwa-Thema Sports Complex on November 8.

After a tough first half, Selcourt Estate FC coach Bongani Nkosi praised his team’s resilience and fighting spirit, despite losing by a single goal.

“The first half was sloppy. We were a bit shaky and conceded unnecessary goals. Trailing 3-0 at halftime, we made adjustments to tighten the team’s structure. We repositioned the players, brought in a goalkeeper and organised our central defence,” Nkosi said.

Those tactical changes brought immediate improvement. Selcourt Estate returned for the second half with renewed focus and energy, dominating possession and creating several scoring chances.

“The second half was a changed game. The players showed character and fought hard. We missed a lot of opportunities that could have given us one of the greatest comebacks of all time,” Nkosi added.

The match ended 3-2 in favour of Sparrow FA. Nkosi said his team will work on their mistakes in training ahead of the Nomndayi Junior Tournament starting on November 29.

“We will fix our mistakes once training resumes as we prepare for the Nomndayi Junior Tournament,” he said.

Sparrow FA coach Sidwell Chiloane said he was happy with the first half because his team scored three goals before halftime.

“I was a little disappointed because we missed a lot of chances. In the second half we corrected some mistakes but our opponents came at us stronger and we spent most of the half defending.

“We made a few mistakes at the back that led to goals. Even though we had chances to score more, we did not convert them. The boys played well.

“Every game we play we deliver and bring good results for our club,” Chiloane explained.