Chapter 24: Battle with Royalty
The final score:
Moshi Kilimanjaro 1:4 Supa Strikas.
Goal scorers being Anga Ally for Moshi Kilimanjaro whilst Mateo scored 2, Zuko and Andile Scored 1 each for Supa Strikas.
Commentator: And there it is folks, a clinical counter attacking game by Supa Strikas sees them walk away with all three points. A Man of the match performance by debutant goalkeeper Arthur Svensson is all the headlines will be about tomorrow morning and what a way to start of the new season of the African Conference Division of the Super League. Next up for Moshi Kilimanjaro is a home game against Angolan Giants Luanda FC whilst Supa Strikas stay on the road to face off against Royal Casablanca in Casablanca, Morocco. Now for an interview with some of the key players in the match. First up is Moshi Kilimanjaro captain, Baraka Juma.
Interviewer: Not the result you had hoped for and the home crowd seemingly extremely disappointed, how are you feeling Juma?
"Well, very disappointed, particularly with my performance, I think I should have been more creative, a bit more involved with the defence as well but I just have to suck it up and focus on the next match don't I." Baraka Juma said, wiping sweat from his short hair and forehead.
"Any changes or improvements that you think could've made the game better for the team?" The interview said, pressuring the seemingly ticked off Juma.
"Yeah, there was stuff we discussed at half-time such as marking the keeper, lowering the defensive line, putting in our faster full backs on their two wingers by man marking but the coach decided not to. But that is no longer an issue we can fix, the coach's word is final, and we have a midweek fixture to prepare for, so we are focusing on that right now." Juma said, walking off.
"An interesting interview by the Moshi Kilimanjaro captain, really a lot to unpack there but for now we have an interview with Man of the match, Arthur Svensson who just had an impressive debut today. Arthur, how are you feeling?" The interviewer said as Arthur stood next to her carrying a small man of the match award.
"A bit overwhelmed, maybe tired, really don't know right now." Arthur said, smiling.
"A great performance and a brilliant debut today, what was going through your mind and how was your debut in your performance in your view?" The interviewer responded.
"I think it was a good debut, really disappointed to have let that goal through, and I honestly think someone like Mateo who had two goals should have gotten this award ahead of me. Thats just my opinion though." Arthur said, smiling as he began to walk away.
"Well, that is all from me for today a great match in the cards, still more action on SSports to come as northern football takes a centre stage with Royal Casablanca taking on Sporting Timbuktu whilst Royal Pharaohs engage in a hotly contested match against North African rivals Sporting Tunis, both on SSports 3 and 4 at 8pm central." The interviewer said as Arthur changed the tv in the hotel common room where the younger players were sitting.
"So, we are not going to watch the Casablanca game." Ryan said, seemingly protesting.
"Man of the match decides the channels, team rules not mine. I'm more interested in the Pharaohs and Tunis game." Arthurs said.
"Well, next time that award is mine. You stole my spotlight." Mateo said as everyone began talking in a loud chatter before a huge throat clear stopped the commotion.
"Kids, not too much noise. Lights out at ten. we have an early flight to Casablanca tomorrow. I need everyone ready." Coach Spenza said, standing on the door before walking away.
The next morning.
Nairobi International Airport.
The team all arrived at the airport via bus and proceeded to board the plane. With Spenza, North and Klaus all boarding last.
"The match between Royal Casablanca and Sporting Timbuktu was a total annihilation. 27 shots versus 1, 7 on target versus 1, 6 goals to one. A simple beating if I have ever seen one." Spenza said as they walked towards the back of the plane.
"Yeah, the atmosphere was crazy. that crowd really defines what a 'twelfth man' is." North said.
"Scarry. the fans did not allow a single Timbuktu player to touch the ball let alone try to do something with it." Klaus said, seemingly frightened.
"Talk about home field advantage. we can control everything on the field, but those fans are not on the field. We need to adapt to that kind of pressure and quickly. Every north African game will be like that. I made a call, and we will meet someone in Casablanca who can help us out, the issue is whether three days will be enough." Spenza said as they all sat down with the plane taking off.
Royal Casablanca Training Center, just outside Casablanca.
The Royal Casablanca first team is training hard in the early morning heat as they prepare for Supa Strikas. fast paced training drills as the entire team is covered in sweat.
"No rest boys. Our opponent is no joke. We have to be at our best if we are to beat them." Coach Idrissi said.
"But Coach, didn't they nearly get relegated last season. we can't be overworking ourselves for a relegation level team." One of the players said, covered in sweat wearing the number 8, with the Initials MC on his training kit.
"And who saved the, huh? Choukri, get back to training. Spenza is a different breed of coach that can change teams in seconds never mind months. He will be a challenge and I assure you; the White wall won't save you like it always does." Coach Idrissi said, as Choukri shrugged and ran off to continue training.
12 hours later. Elite hotel in Casablanca.
The team arrived tired in Casablanca and immediately clocked in to the hotel as soon as they arrived. The players all checked in to their rooms and most took a short rest whilst others ate or relaxed a bit. Mark walked out on his own and caught a taxi whilst Spenza and Klaus both met with someone in the meeting room.
"Spenza P.I, been a long time." A woman in her early thirties said, smiling as they all sat around a coffee table.
"Been a while since I have been called that, how is the professor doing?" Spenza said, as he put a tablet on the table which the woman picked up.
"He is, well, trying his hardest to blow his life savings on Hawaiian dancers. So, I guess he is Ohk. Not even making introductions now, are we?" The woman said, scrolling through the iPad.
"Oh, sorry, this is Klaus, my senior assistant coach and attacking specialist. Klaus, this is Dr Amanda von Pieterse, daughter of Prof and Senior researcher at the secret training compound. Sorry to call you on such short notice, see what I'm talking about." Spenza said as Klauss remained quiet.
"Yeah, a brilliant analysis if I may say so myself. Royal Casablanca has not lost a single home match when playing against sub-Saharan opposition in 7 years. And you guys are attributing it to the climate and home fans? is that not blatantly saying they don't have quality players or great coaches? They still manage an above average win record in away games." Amandla said, putting the tablet down.
"Well, that would be pompous for us to say, but our analysis goes further than that. Klaus, explain." Spenza said, pointing to Klaus.
"Yes, ze North African teams all have a similar record. Pyramids only has two losses at home in 4 years to Sub-Saharan opposition, Pharaohs has 8 in 10 years. Zis is not a coincidence, this is also clear in teams like Sporting Timbuktu and Aksum Football who are on the lower edge of the table. Simply put, ze teams can have very badz performances but ze weather or ze fans will help zem win at the end of the day. On average, Royal Casablanca puts out and average of 6,9 performances as opposed to 7,2 on average for ze entire league, yet they have one of ze best home records in ze league with zero above average performances." Klaus said.
"Well, I'll prepare a training simulation at your training centre today, so when you start training tonight you will have no issue, since it's a night game, the climate won't be of much issue I guess." Amandla said, standing up.
"Good, think 3 days is enough?" Spenza asked.
"Not a chance, but we got to take a chance, plus you are playing Pharaohs on the weekend, you should be good by then at least." Amandla said, walking out.
Casablanca
Muslim mosque in City centre
.
Mark walks in, wearing traditional prayer clothing and walks to the altar, before getting on his knees and bowing towards Mecca.
"Alhamdo lillah." A voice says next to him, also bowing towards Mecca.
"Alhamdo Lillah." Mark said as they both stood up, shaking hands before walking out and sitting on the steps.
"You really still come here after all these years; every time we play each other you always ensure you come to the mosque the second you arrive." The man said, seemingly Mark's age with a middle eastern tone and a beard also wearing prayer clothing.
"Yeah, this is where I converted remember. You were there dummy, Ahmed Omar Alami. How's life in Casablanca?" Mark said, smiling as he punched Ahmed on the arm.
"Violence brother Ikram, it's great, a bit less hedonistic than that sin city called Johannesburg but seemingly less lifeless too. You should move here too when you get the chance, just hand in that transfer request and come play for Royal Casablanca like me." Ahmed said.
"Nah, I made a few promises there I got to keep. But maybe we will both go to Saudi and Eat that Ronaldo Money when we decide to retire." Mark said, standing up as if preparing to leave.
"Yeah, we will. See you at the match then, hopefully?" Ahmed said, also standing up.
"Unfortunately, not, I'm injured so one less problem for your club to worry about hehe. But I'll probably be there for the return leg so I can destroy you properly." Mark said, calling a cab.
"You wish, remember, you can't win against those with blue blood." Ahmed said, laughing.
Casablanca, later that day.
Supa Strikas temporary training facility.
The team is doing menial training drills in the desert night as North, Spenza and Klaus watch on.
"The simulation is ready sir." Amandla announced, tapping on her computer as speakers surrounded the field.
"Begin it then." Spenza said as Amandla pressed a button on her computer and cheers that seemed from a football ground began airing on the field.
"Feels like home, reminds me of that silent stadium coach made us do one time, remember Klaus?" North said, smiling.
"Yeah, EL Matador couldn't handle it and nearly had a mental breakdown, hehe." Klaus said laughing.
"This simulation is based on the same principle, but on opposite grounds. Watch what happens when you play in a stadium filled with loud, passionate fans who know how to scream." Amandla said, tapping a button on the computer as the clam cheers of fans turned into a loud roar that made everyone cover their ears.
"Ahhh, that's destabilizing." Mateo said, crouching.
"Yep, that's a north African atmosphere alright." Mark said, sitting on the sidelines doing stretches as if completely unaffected.
"Yeah, and you all have... 3 days to get used to it." Spenza said as everyone remained unable to move, frozen by the sound.
3 Days Later.
20h00 CAT at The Royal Casablanca Stadium.
Commentator: Matchday at the Royal Casablanca Stadium, in this midweek fixture we have Royal Casablanca hosting Supa Strikas in African Super League action. A fully fit Royal Casablanca side is on the cards today, wearing a pure white kit with blue outlines, as they get led out by Captain Mohammed Choukri wearing the number 8 in Midfield and former Supa Strikas winger, Ahmed Alami wearing the number 7, being one of the key figures to watch as he steps up against his former team. On the other side, Supa Strikas starts the match without long time captain Mark Philips who is not even on the bench for the first time in 3 years, wearing a yellow kit with red shorts and red outlines. To watch is goalkeeper Arthur Svensson wearing the number 32 in goal after an incredible debut last Saturday against Moshi Kilimanjaro. And Mateo Garcia who is wearing the number 99 as he is on loan from Super League side Barka. The match is about to begin is the teams come out of the dugout, Theo Von Neek is leading Supa Strikas in place of Mark Philips whilst Mohammed Choukri walks out to his castle in fine form. The captain exchange greetings and choose side as it seems Royal Casablanca will kick oof the match.
Ahmed Alami Stands on the ball in the centre and passes it to another player as Royal Casablanca begin the attack with the fans chanting behind them. Ahmed quickly gets the ball back and runs down the right flank but Ryan quickly steals the ball back and attempts to dribble it forward, but a huge boo erupts from the Royal fans and Ryan is distracted just long enough for a Royal player to retake position and restart their attack, bypassing Ryan and crossing the ball into the box, where two Royal players attempt to header the ball in but Svensson saves and shoots it to an unmarked Mateo. Mateo advances forward with the ball but a huge boo once again erupts, distracting Mateo just long enough for a Royal player to disposes Mateo and regain possession. Th game goes back and forth like this for a couple of minutes until Ryan steals the ball from a Royal player and shoots it out for a throw in.
"We are getting outplayed out there. The Fans seem to be tactically with their cheering, and the Royal Casablanca players seem to be working in concert with the cheers. Our players might be accustomed to this hellish atmosphere, but they can't adjust to the fan cheers." Spenza said, standing on the sideline.
"I disagree, we are being outplayed because Royal Casablanca are weaponizing their fans, but some of our players are already getting used to this matchup." North Shaw said, sitting on the bench playing a video game on his phone.
"I don't see it. We are getting outplayed there." Spenza said as the game continued in front of him.
"Ryan, Arthur and Theo are all not affected a single bit by the crowd. Mateo is starting to blend in whilst Zuko and Andile are just being locked out of the game by the Royal fullbacks, if we can maintain a draw until halftime, everyone will be able to win this match." North said, not even looking at the field as Ryan managed to dispossess Ahmed and run towards the centre with the ball even with the boos screaming around him.
Ryan advances to the midfield with the ball, a quick one-two with Zuko as Ryan manages to get into the Casablanca half and passes the ball to Mateo who takes a quick shot that hits the crossbar as he screams in anger, but Andile manages to find himself in front of the goal where the ball land and shoots it into the empty net.
"GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL, WHAT A GOAL! By Supa Strikas number 77 Andile Manzuel who goes to the corner to celebrate with other Supa Strikas players, a beautifully taken shot by the youngster as he opens his maiden league campaign." The commentator shouted as the away Supa Strikas fans cheered with the home Royal Casablanca fans dead quiet.
"Nice goal, short stuff." Mateo said, rubbing Andile's hair.
"Backhanded compliments instead of a simple compliment huh." Zuko said as he joined the celebrations.
"Until he scores a beautiful goal, he ain't getting one." Mateo said as the returned to restart the game.
"Almost halftime and a goal up, we are doing better than I thought. The second half will be tougher though, and I thought Andile was being played out of this game, how come he scored." Klaus said, seemingly stressed.
"An attribute no coach can ever gauge in a player, Andile has the same talent as his father with one key difference, LUCK." Spenza said, as the referee hit the halftime whistle.
"Yeah, kid is crazily lucky, so much so that whilst he is a mercurial talent, he can't seem to avoid being at the right place at the right time." North said as everyone stood up to go back to the locker room.
The teams returned after halftime, but it was a different match all together, the Supa Strikas players all seemed to have gotten accustomed to the fans and going toe to toe with Royal Casablanca, from defence to attack they seemed to gel, and Mateo grabbed a second from an Andile assist and Zuko scored the third goal in the 90th minute from a Ryan assist to end the game.
"North, I don't think it's luck that gives Andile such ability." Spenza said as the final whistle blew.
"You don't think, he has that do you?" North said, standing up from the bench and taking out his sunglasses to look at a seemingly unfazed Andile shaking hands with everyone who seemed to be sweating.
"Yep, an incredible ability to read the game so well, he always makes stuff happen. Shakes had a small spark of it, and I did too before I realised, I would never go pro. The factor only the GOATs of the game have." Spenza said as Ryan was announced as the man of the match.
"His father had it too, you know. If he actually tried to play like a pro instead of a hooligan, you would know about it." Klaus said, eating some strudel.