7 years later.
Soweto, South Africa
Supa Strikas headquarters.
Spenza walks out of his car, wearing a grey suit along with his signature bucket hat. He quickly walks into the building and walk into the well-furnished reception area, and speaking to the receptionist.
"Uhm, hello, Themba Sibisi here to see the board of directors. " Spenza announced.
"Ohh, Mr Sibisi, I have been expecting you. The board is waiting for you. Follow me." The receptionist said, standing up and walking to the elevator, to which Spenza followed.
They quickly got off at the fourth floor and the receptionist pointed Spenza to one of the offices. Spenza slowly walked into the office as he began to see the board of directors.
"Ahh, Mr. Sibisi, welcome. Take a seat." The chairman said, a tall dark man who used to be super strika's key goalkeeper, Big Bo spoke.
Spenza took a seat and looked around at the imposing figures around him. A couple of rich business moguls all sat around the table, glaring at him.
"I take it you have looked at our project and aims for the next five years. Do you have any issues with them? What are your thoughts on our ambitions" Big Bo said, smiling at Spenza.
"Yes, I have, I was confused by Section 13 and Schedules 1 and 2." Spenza replied.
"Our transfer policy and the number of years we intend to return to the Lower Super League Division. What is your issue with them?" Big Bo asked, seemingly confused.
"Section 13 reads... 'Our transfer policy is to buy high quality players from lower and equivalent leagues within the clubs allowed spending limits.' unfortunately that policy won't work for a club that intends to return to the Super League." Spenza said.
"How do we fix this then?" One of the board members asked.
"You need players who are willing to die for the badge. If i am to sign as manager for this club i need full control of the club's transfer activities." Spenza declared
"We will discuss that with the board. Anything else to be added should we decide to sign you?" Big Bo asked, still composed as the board began murmuring.
"I will need you to sign my two assistant coaches, Klaus von Klinkerhoffen and North Shaw. I will also need a new attacking coach." Spenza stated.
"Thank you, Mr Sibisi. Please wait outside whilst we make a decision." Big Bo said, as Spenza walked out and sat on one of the chairs outside and opening his phone to read the news.
The fist article showed a picture of Invincible United legend taking a picture with his 21-year-old Son at The Vice, with an Invincible united jersey numbered 13, with the words Dooma Junior. The article read "Dooma's Day once again. Former Invincible United Captain's Son joins club from academy. A future club legend too?"
Spenza moved past it and saw another article below it, titled, "Technicali Star woes, Skhosana seems on the way out after just his first professional season with no Super league teams willing to buy him. It seems the rivalry between Dooma and Dancing Rasta won't be repeated by their sons as 20-year-old striker continues to taint his father's legacy." Spenza continued to scroll though the news as he waited. Then after a period, one of the board members called him in.
"Welcome to Supa Strikas, Mr. Sibisi, we look forward to working with you. We hope you can start next season, whether we are relegated will not impact your appointment, as we only have one match left to determine our status." Big Bo said, as he shook Spenza's hand.
"I believe we can stay up, allow me to manage the last game." Spenza said.
"No issue there, we have nothing more to lose. Again, welcome to the club." Big Bo said.
Supa Strikas: Under 19 training ground parking.
A sweaty, tired, Andile walks wearing a grey vest and joggers, whilst carrying a Sports bag and a pair of football boots. He walks towards the window of one car and knocks on it. The window lowers and inside is 18-year-old Jomo wearing glasses and his huge afro. Andile points to the back seat as Jomo opens it, allowing Andile to enter and lay on the three seats.
"You really need to retake that driver's licence cos I ain't your chauffer man." Jomo said, as he began starting the car up.
"I know, just don't pester me with that stuff right now. I am so drained." Andile replied.
"Oh, in other news, Uncle Spenza has just been announced as the new manager of the men's main team."
"You lie dawg. Ain't uncle Spenza overqualified for that gig? I mean they are in the African Super League and could be relegated on Sunday if they don't win. A Super league certified Manager coaching in the Southern conference seems low to me."
"Yeah, but he did reject like 5 Super league sides, including United so it's his doing. What's the deal with your new contract, shouldn't you have extended up until your academy years finished?" Jomo replied as he drove out of the parking area.
"Yeah, that was the plan at the start of the season but since I'm the Under19 and Under21 top playmaker the club decided to wait for offers from bigger clubs and see if the new manager has any opinions on it. The decision will be made after Sunday's match." Andile stated.
"Do you want to leave?" Jomo asked.
"Nah, this is my home man, I ain't going nowhere, I hope." Andile unconvincingly said. As the car continued to drive.
Sunday: Final match of the season.
Kinshasa United Vs Supa Strikas
Congo International Stadium
Commentary: A sold out 50 000 capacity stadium hosts what is surely one of the most important matches on the final day of the season. Both sides of the table will be impacted by the results of this match as Kinshasa United seeks to fight for a top five finish in order to enter the promotion playoffs. Supa Strikas on the other end of the table hope for a miracle in order to remain in the African Super League. Both sides must absolutely win if they are to succeed today. A debut match for Supa Strikas new manager known as Coach Spenza, not the way any manager wants to begin his reign. Another notable edition to the Supa Strikas bench is the son of former Super League Striker Skarra, Andile Manzuel who is one of the subs, doubful though that the 18-year-old will get a minute in such a crucial game.
Supa Strikas dressing room
"Ok boys, you know what to do out there. Stick to the tactics, that will win us the game." Said Spenza, encouraging an uninspired team in the dressing room.
"But Coach, we have already lost the game, those guys are the best attacking side in the league, we can't just park the bus and hope for a win. These are just stupid tactics." The clubs main striker, Orlando said, berating Spenza.
"Follow the tactics and you will win. Now suit up and lets get out there. Andile stay behind a little." Spenza said, seemingly fustrated as most of the players left the dressing room. All left untill Spenza was left with Andile who was still lacing his boots.
"You ready for your debut kid?" Spenza said, asking Andile.
"What do you mean? Aint i just an extra sub here?" Andile said, looking confused.
"Just be ready. Ohh your father told me to give you thsese." Said Spenza, giving Andile a pair of red, used up shin guards.
"Aren't these the ones he won his last Super league with?"
"Yep, he said to give them to you. Now go." Spenza said, smiling.
"Is he coming?" Andile asked as he began to walk away.
"I don't know, his flight got delayed but last i heard he was doing his best to get here as fast as possible." Spenza said, as both walked out of the door towards the field.
Match Start: 15H00 CAT.
The match began with a lot of flair, Kinshasa united began strong running down the flanks and crossing the ball for a quick goal, but the overloaded Strika defence quickly shot it away. The United attackers regained the ball and attacked again. This cycle continued for most of the first half, until the 40th minute when Supa Strikas got the ball. They began passing it around at the back not trying to attack or anything, one of the player passed to Orlando and disaster struck.
"F&&& this, I'm attacking." Orlando declaired, before bolting down the middleand dribbling past the opposition defenders.
"Orlando no!"One of his teammates screamed as Orlando began racing down the middle towards the opposition goal.
"Andile, start jogging. You are coming on in the second half." Spenza said, as Andile began stretching on the sidelines.
"I am an elite striker, why am I defending when my job is to attack? Strikers score goals, not prevent them. I will win this match alone if I have to." These thoughts ran through Orlando's mind as he prepared to take a shot at the opponent's goal, but a defender quickly slides in front of him, stealing the ball and beginning the counter attack. The entire United team counter attacked ran towards the Strika's goal, passing the ball to each other past Supa Strikas attack before the cub's number 9 scored a beautiful goal as the entire stadium erupted with joy.
//Half time, Supa Strikas Dressing room. //
"I gave you one job Orlando, One Job and you failed dismally." Spenza angrily said, ripping into a distraught Orlando.
"I'm sorry Coach, but we need to win. We can't win if we aren't scoring goals." Orlando cheekingly said.
"You are off, Andile will take your place." Spenza declared as the entire dressing room went quiet in shock.
"You can't do that, I'm this club's best player."
"Watch me! Andile, get dressed. You are starting the second half." Spenza declared as Andile began wearing the red jersey with yellow outlines, and put on his jersey number, 44.
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.