SHARPEVILLE.- Orlando Pirates DSTV Diski Challenge (DDC) team and Perfect Academy were involved in an exciting pre-season friendly at George Thabe Stadium on Sunday morning.
The game was in preparation for both teams’ upcoming season.
With Pirates babies preparing for the forthcoming DDC season, Perfect Academy was also preparing for the SAFA Sedibeng Hollywood Men’s Regional League for the 2025/2026 season. It was a great game of football to watch, however, the score is not a true reflection of the outcome.
Pirates had to sweat to beat the home side 4-1.
For the first 20 minutes, Perfect Academy dominated Pirates’ youngsters, controlling possession and showcasing slick one-touch football through the midfield. Pirates looked unsettled at first, but they refused to be outplayed for long and eventually regrouped. Once they found their rhythm, Pirates began stringing together some impressive moves of their own, turning the contest into a more balanced affair.
The game went to interval with Pirates leading 1-0.
Both sides made changes in the second half, but Perfect Academy’s substitutions slowed their tempo and allowed Pirates to dictate play. The visitors quickly took full advantage, with former Nale Academy and Kaizer Chiefs DDC striker Mthokosizi Balakasi striking twice in quick succession to make it 3–1.
This was before the home team responded, but it was too late. Pirates put the last nail in the coffin to make it 4-1. Pirates DDC Coach Joseph ‘Duku Duku’ Makhanya, who was watching from the stand, said it was an interesting game with both teams appreciating ball possession.
“I’m happy with the kind of game they gave us, and they show no respect for us. They are a good team, and I do not doubt that they will challenge the league title because I was told they play in the SAB League. They have all it takes to challenge the league if this is how they are going to play,” said Makhanya.
Sechaba Mofokeng. “I do not doubt that we are on the right track, but there is still more to be done to be 100% in our applications, especially on the opponent’s half. We dominated them on our own half, and if we dominated them on their own half, we could have said something.
