VANDERBIJLPARK.- Fans were treated to a breathtaking seven-goal spectacle on Saturday as NWU Vaal FC took on Perfect Academy in a SAFA Sedibeng Hollywoodbets Men’s Regional League clash.

The match, held at the NWU Vaal Campus, was a classic tale of experience versus inexperience. In the end, it was the seasoned pros of Perfect Academy who walked away with a narrow 4-3 victory, thanks to a masterclass from former top-flight forward Rethabeli ‘Magiya’ Soso and Mamelodi Sundowns Dstv Diski Challenge midfielder Tshepo Ntsala.

But having said this, the young NWU Vaal FC gave Perfect Academy a run for their money, especially in the second half. The game went into the interval with the visitors leading 3-0.

Whatever their coach, Joseph ‘Mentor’ Matlhong, said to them during the break worked.

They came out like a house on fire, attacking with pace and showing Perfect Academy zero respect. The youthful NWU side turned the game on its head, scoring twice in quick succession to make it 3-2.

Suddenly, Perfect Academy was the one with its back against the wall.

Despite Perfect Academy making tactical substitutions to slow the game down, including the withdrawal of Ntsala, NWU Vaal kept pushing. Their persistence paid off as they netted a third goal to level the score, though some observers noted the frantic nature of the comeback had the visitors “running riot.”

Just as it looked like the points might be shared, Soso showed why he once played at the highest level. The former Baroka FC man completed his hat-trick, scoring the decisive goal to make it 4-3, and sealed the win for the visitors. Although they won, Perfect Academy coach Sechaba Mofokeng was fuming after the game.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, he gave his players a strong tongue-lashing for their performance.
“We were let down by complacency,” he said.