Chapter 10: Kaptein!

15 years ago.

Denver-USA

A small impoverished black community lives in the outskirts of the city, here it's every man for himself. Hundreds of people live on the streets, whilst even more kids are stuck in the orphanages that seem to pop up every other month. Making it out of here is near impossible, especially if you a little black boy with no one to even bat an eyelid for you. This is where Mark was born, nobody knew his parents or any relatives, he was a nobody, just a baby with a blanket. This also where his fate changed, in a once off meeting, he was given a chance.

The day was normal, kids playing in the streets trying to forget they were hungry, some beggars lined up in the streets asking for money whilst others looked at the trashcans for any leftovers or something they could sell. Whilst the youth filled the corners smoking drugs everywhere. Until a huge trail of trucks came in with the Supa Strikas logo on them. Accompanied by the Supa Strikas first team bus and a truckload of reporters. They began to setup a podium of sorts, as the then coach spoke.

"I am pleased to announce that the people of this place do not have to worry any longer. The Supa Strikas initiative hopes to help fix the area and make it a better place for all. We will be investing a $100 million to the development and safety of the place. Starting today where our players will handout hampers and food supplies to the people here." This speech was meant by applause by the hundreds, but even Mark, a 9-year-old knew. It was not about helping but about the media, the sales, their public image. He continued kicking about his ball with the other kids, dribbling and passing it around before one of the players was hit by the ball accidentally. It was North Shaw.

"Oi, these little dudes are playing soccer, really didn't think it was that big here in the states bro." North said, doing Kick-ups with the roughed-up ball.

"Sorry sir, can we have our ball?" one of the kids said as North passed the ball to the kid.

"Sorry, can I play with you then?" North said, crouching down to look at the kid in the face.

"Sure," The kid said as they began passing the ball around with North, doing kick ups and the little skills those 9-year Olds could do. Until the ball went to Mark, who skillfully did a couple of kickups before shooting the ball at North's groin, making him fall down in pain.

"Ouch! Ouch, little dudes got a good shot." North said, as he picked himself up, and trying to take the ball from Mark's feet.

Mark simply did a bit of skill with his feet before nutmegging North and running past him, completely embarrassing North in front of everyone who had dropped what they were doing to watch the spectacle.

"Hey coach! Is there a spot available in the academy? This kid needs to be there." North said, seemingly dusting himself off.

"Don't joke like that North, kids in the academy have parents, who is going to pay for the kid's clothing, place to stay, school, academy fees? That's a lot for an orphan." Coach responded simply brushing North off.

"I will!" North said, seemingly standing firm.

"You are not one to take responsibility North. He is a kid, are you sure?" Coach said, looking surprised at North. "I know, but I'll take full responsibility. I'll pay for everything. I haven't thought it through much, but I'll get someone to take care of him when I'm not available, which is a lot of time. Just get this kid to Strikaland!" North said, looking at Mark with a smile.

"OK, just see this through" Coach said, Walking off.

Mark's entire life was uprooted that day, he left his country, his friends and anyone he ever knew to go to a random African country where very few people even regularly spoke the language he knew. North had got him settled and all but with how busy the Super League schedule is, they hardly knew each other. North would visit on certain weekends or when there was a game at Strikaland or pre-season but nothing else. Mark was raised by an African lady, called Maria, who taught a couple of the languages spoken here, after a couple of years, Mark could speak Zulu, Tswana, Pedi, Afrikaans and understand most of the other languages. But most of his growth came at the academy. He was clearly a gem, moving through the ranks from under-10 to under-12 in months, then to under-15 at just 11 years old, by the time he was 16, he was playing in the under-23 and being tipped for a first team call up. That was 8 years ago, following the Sharp decline of Supa Strikas many first team players left or retired, which made him fast track to the first team.

"Making his debut today for Supa Strikas, at just 17 years and 3 months old, academy prospect, Mark Philips." The announcers said, hyping up every senior game he played, knowing very well that it was not due to the fact that he was good but rather that Supa Strikas was bad. Every good performance they had was used to hype up the players, to sell them out of a Supa Strikas that could not afford to turn down any big money offers.

North had come to watch on of Mark's games those days and after a disastrous first half, they met in the locker room.

"Not a bad first half kid." North said, brushing Mark's head roughly.

"Disaster is how I would put it. Everyone in the team has quit, as if being 5 goals down is the end of the match." Mark responded, seemingly frustrated.

"Well, mathematically it is. Plus, ain't you the youngest guy here, I'm sure you'll get it as you grow up." North said. "If they can score 5 goals in the first half, we can score 6 in the second, all we gotta do is fight. Such laziness is the reason why we got relegated to the southern Conference last season" Mark said, staying up as the half time break was nearly over.

"Then get on with it, score those 6 goals and show them" North said as Mark walked out.

Present Day.

"Not a bad game kid." A familiar voice woke Mark who was resting on a bench during halftime in the locker room. "Disaster Is how I would put it, but I digress." Mark replied as he got up to see North in a suit along with Taiko who was now wearing Supa Strikas Tracksuits.

"How u doing kiddo?" North said as he and Mark pumped fists.

"Good pops. Who is the new kid?" Mark said looking at Taiko before shaking his hand.

"Taiko Suzuki, a new signing the coach wanted. Taiko this is my eldest son and current Supa Strikas Captain, Mark Philips." North said, introducing the two.

"Pleasure to meet you. Captain." Taiko said, bowing his head a little.

"KAPTEIN! ASAMBE! (Captain, let's go)" Scelo shouted as the team walked out if the Lockeroom in Zulu. " Ngyeza! (I'm coming)" Mark responded as he ran behind them.

...

"That is the captain? But he is my age." Taiko said, looking shocked.

"He might be young, but he is more of a leader than most. Now let's go watch the second half. I have a feeling it will be fun." North said as they both walked out.