Capítulo 13: Opening Ceremony
The sun shone brightly over Pituaçu Stadium, illuminating every detail of the flags the captains held with pride. Each team stood in position, with their captains at the front, and the atmosphere was one of expectation and emotion. It was the grand opening ceremony of the Bahia U-17 Championship, and all eyes were on the stage set up in the center of the field.
Richard Sousa, president of the Bahia Football Federation, stepped up to the stage, adjusting the papers he held. His voice echoed strong and confident as he began the speech that would soon be remembered by everyone:
"Ladies and gentlemen, young athletes, coaches, families, and fans, it is an honor to welcome you all to this important championship. This is not just a tournament, but a celebration of the strength of football in our state—a symbol of your dreams and dedication!"
He paused, looking at each row of players, and continued, "You are the future of our football, the fresh blood that represents Bahia on the field. Many great players began their journeys just as you are starting yours today. Remember that on these same fields, where you now stand, giants like Bebeto—the unforgettable forward who dazzled the world with his talent—once played; Dida, one of the best goalkeepers in football history; Vampeta, a relentless midfielder; Edílson Capetinha, Bremer, Dante, and the legendary Daniel Alves, the most decorated player in football history! All of them are from Bahia, all of them carried our flag across the world. Let them inspire you, and remember that every step, every practice, and every game brings you closer to your dreams."
As the president spoke, Cleiton felt the weight of the moment and the magnitude of the path ahead of him. It was a reminder that football in Bahia was much more than just a sport; it was an essential part of the state's culture and identity.
After several minutes of speech, Richard finally wrapped up with words about respect and dedication, causing sighs of relief from the young players who were eagerly awaiting the rest of the ceremony.
Next, a group of drummers took the stage, announcing the entry of the band Olodum. Known for their powerful Afro-Brazilian beats, Olodum brought a vibrant energy to the stadium. The drums echoed throughout Pituaçu, getting the crowd and players swaying to the infectious rhythm. Founded in Salvador in 1979, Olodum was not just a music school but a symbol of Afro-Brazilian culture, created to ensure that the residents of Maciel-Pelourinho could celebrate Carnival in an organized bloc.
Olodum's performance was accompanied by various cultural displays honoring Bahia's African roots. Capoeira groups showcased agile moves and synchronized routines, while dancers in traditional attire displayed Afro-Brazilian dances, connecting the audience to a rich, ancestral history. The music and dance blended into the air, creating an atmosphere of celebration and respect for African heritage.
As the performances continued, Afro-Brazilian delicacies were served to those in attendance. The aroma of acarajé, vatapá, caruru, moqueca, abará, and couscous filled the air, and each bite offered a taste of Bahia's rich culinary traditions. Players from various cities across the state watched everything with fascination, some experiencing these traditional dishes for the first time, representing Bahia's diverse cultural heritage.
After the shows, other renowned artists took the stage, singing songs that celebrated local traditions. The event extended, and as the minutes passed, the crowd became more absorbed by the performances, while the players glanced at their watches, anxious to prepare for the championship starting the next day.
The show stretched on, with the clock nearing 1:30 pm. Finally, at 2:00 pm, the last performance ended, and the ceremony concluded.
Exhausted from the long morning, the players began leaving the stadium. For Cleiton and his Vitória teammates, there was no need to check into hotels like the other 14 teams in the championship. As one of the two teams from the capital, along with Bahia, they had the comfort of returning home to rest for the big day.
Sunday promised to be intense. The first round of the championship was set to begin, and Pituaçu was ready to host the games. In the sports complex, five fields were prepared, with the main field reserved only for the playoffs. On the four external fields, matches would be split between morning and afternoon slots at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm, ensuring all eight matches of the round would take place.
With expectations running high, Cleiton and the Vitória players returned home, each focused on resting and preparing for the challenge that awaited them the next day.
On Sunday morning at 8:30 am, the Vitória bus arrived at the Pituaçu stadium parking lot. The air was thick with anticipation as the players disembarked with their bags on their shoulders and focused expressions. Each one knew the importance of the day. Coach Cerqueira, always focused, went straight to speak with the tournament's organizers to finalize the details.
While they waited for their coach near the bus, the Vitória players gathered in a circle with the technical staff. The atmosphere was calm, yet everyone was alert to what was coming. After about fifteen minutes, Cerqueira returned with the news everyone was waiting for.
"Guys, our match is scheduled to start at 9:30 on the North external field. We're facing Itabuna," he announced, his voice steady and confident.
He took a brief pause while the players nodded, ready for what was to come. Cerqueira continued:
"In the other matches happening simultaneously, we have Bahia de Feira against Jacuipense on the South field, Vitória da Conquista facing Fluminense de Feira on the East field, and Barcelona de Ilhéus playing against Galícia on the West field."
The group moved toward the North field. Upon arrival, the players quickly changed in the makeshift locker room by the field. Each one donned the traditional red and black Vitória jersey, mentally preparing for the match. They then headed out for a light 15-minute warm-up on the grass, including jogging, stretches, and some passing to loosen up.
After warming up, everyone returned to the locker room, where Cerqueira awaited with a brief pre-match talk.
"Guys, Itabuna plays the same formation as us, 4-3-3," Cerqueira explained, locking eyes with each of them. "They're an aggressive team that likes to press high and attack quickly down the wings. So, Ricardo and Cleiton, stay alert in defense. Cássio and Dieguinho, be ready to cover the flanks quickly. Nathan, you'll be our presence in the box, and we need you to stand strong up front. And remember, today is the first step of our tournament. Let's show our quality and discipline."
The players listened attentively, absorbing the instructions and mentally reinforcing their responsibilities on the field. Cerqueira gave everyone one last look, and in a steady voice, he added:
"Step onto that field and do what you do best. We're Vitória, and we're here to show why."
With the coach's words in their minds, the players prepared to step onto the field. As they walked onto the pitch, they felt the light tension of the moment. The crowd, even on a smaller field, had gathered to show support, and the stands were lively.
4-3-3 Formation
Goalkeeper: Jaime Filho (1)
Right-back: Cássio (2)
Center-back: Ricardo Rocha (3)
Center-back: Cleiton (13)
Left-back: Dieguinho (6)
Defensive Midfielder: Kayque Silva (5)
Central Midfielder: Gabriel Costa (8)
Central Midfielder: Claudio Sousa (10)
Right Wing: Rodrigo (11)
Striker: Nathan (9)
Left Wing: Pedrinho (7)
Substitutes: Jhonathan (12), Marlon Kaio (4), Robson (14), Jorge (15), William (19).
The players lined up in the center of the field alongside the Itabuna team, each wearing their distinctive uniforms. Under the referee's command, the National Anthem began to play, and all players stood still, eyes forward, with a firm posture. It was the official start of the competition.
When the anthem concluded, each player turned to greet their opponents. Cleiton shook hands with the Itabuna players, feeling a mix of respect and rivalry. They also greeted the referee, the fourth official, and the linesmen, maintaining the respect and poise that the moment demanded.
The referee then called over the captains of both teams, Jaime Filho, Vitória's goalkeeper, and Tiaguinho, Itabuna's central midfielder and captain. Both took their places next to the referee, who held a coin for the toss. With a decisive flick, the coin was tossed into the air and landed. Itabuna won the toss and chose to start with the ball.
The referee gave a slight smile and motioned for the captains to return to their teams. Jaime, with a nod to Cerqueira, headed back to Vitória's defensive line, gathering the players in their starting positions. Across the field, Tiaguinho did the same with Itabuna, setting up his team for the kickoff.
Once the players were in position, the referee looked to each side, ensuring everything was in place. In a brief moment of silence, he raised the whistle and, with a decisive blow, signaled the start of the match.
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder