Chapter 22: My Name is Taiko

The next day, Strikaland Media Room

The room is filled with journalists and camera men all sitting in chairs talking to each other In a calm manner. A normal press conference is about to occur as a woman walks out to sit on one of the three chairs laid out in front of the journalists.

"Good morning, everyone, my name is Leanne Oosthuizen, and I am the media manager of Supa Strikas. Now ladies and gentlemen, if you will please keep quiet so we can begin this media briefing." Leanne said, smiling as everyone kept quiet. Coach Spenza and Taiko both walk in, wearing Supa Strikas tracksuits and sit down in a calm manner.

"Please welcome our Manager and New Signing, Taiko. You may ask questions now." Leanne said, signalling to the journalists.

"Hello, Mr Taiko, I am Ray Xulu from the Joburg Weekly. How has it been like adjusting to life in South Africa and Joburg in general." One of the Journalists said, smiling.

"It's been an experience, a bit different from Japan surely, it's like a different world to be honest. But my teammates have helped me a lot, so I have them to thank, especially the captain who gave me a place to crash for the week." Taiko responded, smiling.

"Could you speak about your experience at Blue Lock academy, and your life there." Another journalist asked.

"It was a good learning experience to say the least. 14 years of my life spent there and learnt a lot, played with some players who have gone on to become part of the world's top brass so I can't complain about much. But now I am here and hopefully I experience a lot more in my time at Supa Strikas." He answered, seemingly avoiding the question.

"I have heard that you will be wearing the no.16 jersey. That is the same number as another player of Asian origin. Twisting Tiger was one of the greatest wingers in the club's history, what makes you think you are worthy of wearing that number, surely being Asian is not the only qualifier." another Journalist provocatively asked.

"That is a very unwarranted question sir..." Leanne started to speak but was interrupted by Taiko.

"I understand your concern sir. But I am a good player. Maybe not as great as Twisting Tiger but surely good enough to wear his number. Because at the end of the day it's just a number used to register players. Nobody will forget Tiger, but my name will be remembered as the guy who earned that number, so sir, you don't need to compare me to anyone, I Am Taiko not Tiger. Please know that when you see me wearing that number on my back." Taiko said as everyone clapped hands.

"Any more questions?" Leanne said as the press conference proceeded more smoothly.

"Last question, Coach Spenza, what is your ambition for this season and the rest of your time at Supa Strikas?" A journalist asked.

"My ambition? I guess to win, win everything. The league, promotion, the Africa Cup, the SA Open, that's what I hope for this season. I don't know how long I will last here but, in the end, I'd like to win the Super League. But it's wrong to call it ambition, ambition is similar to Dreams or hopes, you wish for them. These are not wishes, these are goals that I want to achieve. Anything less is a failure in my opinion." Spenza said, as both he and Taiko stood up.

"And you Taiko what do you think of this?" The journalist snuck one more question in.

"He is right. Our goals this season have been set and any failure on the part from the team will be failure." Taiko said as they both walked out.

A few hours later. Strikaland.

Spenza's office.

Arthur walks in, seemingly disheartened as he sits on the desk opposite Spenza who finishes up another call before looking at Arthur.

"Arthur Svenson, really weird career to be honest. Supa Strikas academy since 14, graduated at 19, been at loan in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark in the past three years. 22 years old with 0 appearances for your actual club. Something is missing here." Spenza said, throwing a folder at Arthur.

"Look, I'm willing to go on loan one more time, honestly don't care at this point. No need to throw my record on the table because I know it." Arthur said, looking into the folder to see a bunch of pictures of him playing for other teams.

"I see, you don't wanna play here?" Spenza said.

"I'd give every single piece of my soul to play here, but we both know I'm not considered good enough by the board nor a big enough star by the fans. Dame is better looking, great for press conferences and standing in the post." Arthur said, standing up.

"He knows, that's why he left. He says he does not want to be the 'good looking' poster boy knowing full well you're better than him. Board approved his transfer to Azul this morning and he is on his way to the airport right now. Now I know you guys were close friends, so even though he told me to keep you here as long as possible, he will be at OR Tambo till 5pm" Spenza said, looking for something in his drawer.

"Thanks." Arthur said, standing up and walking towards the door.

"Catch, your shirt for the season." Spenza said to Arthur who caught the shirt and walked out.

OR Tambo international airport.

Dame is walking towards the departures side with a suitcase and bag, carrying a pair of goalkeeping gloves as Arthur screams behind him.

"You are loud dummy, knew that fat bastard wouldn't keep you chained." Dame said, turning around to see Arthur standing a few meters away, huffing seemingly having ran.

"Look who's talking. Coward, why are you running?" Arthur said, taking a breath.

"Cos I wanna be first for my skills, not to be a first just because I'm a poster boy. look, Arthur, You are better than me, and I can't let you waste away on the bench whilst I keep on delivering performances, I know you can do with your eyes closed. So, I'm going to Azul to be a backup but trust I'm not gonna be a backup for long." Dame said, as a voiceover sounded.

Passengers for SAA flight 213 to Mexico City please come to departures isle 3, this is the last announcement.

" So, what's your number?" Dame said, pointing at the shirt that Arthur got from Spenza, which Arthur had never looked at before.

"#32," Arthur said, opening up the shirt.

"Poetic, that's mine too, promise me this, let's meet in the Super League and as number #1's." Dame said, throwing the pair of gloves at Arthur.

"Bet, now catch that plane. I ain't saying goodbye." Arthur said, walking back.

"Sure, it's see you later. Keep those dirty for me." Dame said, walking to the departure aisle.