The future is here

Over the years the YA (youth academy) has been the source of ne newest players. Very skilled, semi-skilled and those who were promoted only to fill the numbers; promising talents only to be fired after the first few weeks. This article will put you in the boots (literarily) of an average Nigerian unskilled youth.

Victor sat in class barely listening to the teacher's lecture. Infact he stopped listening to the teacher the moment he stepped into class. His mind wondered to what the coach had said the other day - Simon had developed again! The show off! - Victor thought. Always taking the ball and dancing inside the 18 yard box. If only he would pass it to me just once...

A match was scheduled today behind the holy senior team stadium. The coach had made his point clear last week:

"Simon is exactly what we need. He does the whole job in the attack. Now listen up, Victor. You are too poor to be a forward. And I have told the management: if you continue like this, it's either you'll be promoted - which is impossible - or you'll get dropped from the squad. Our attention should be turned to Simon."

Those were the words Victor didn't want to hear. If only the coach saw all that snappy footwork and dances; if only he, Victor put one goal in the back of the net compared to the 5 goals that were put past them. If only he passed the ball. Now the coach has instructed them to play a 4-5-1 with him playing on the flanks, while Simon got the lone striker position. Victor thought he was supposed to be a striker, at least a supporting one.

He arrived at their pitch and the coach gave them the final tips.

"Victor you start at the flanks, Joshua take the supporting striker position, Simon, you are the lone man up front. Do your thing".

The match kicked off and he just couldn't settle in his position. As usual, Simon watered the concrete floor but no roses emerged. He had a quick word with Joshua and they switched positions. Joshua gave him the ball, he turned and found himself in space, but this space became less and less as a defender closed down on him. Finally, Victor managed to pass him and sent a rocket past the keeper...

- 8 years has been a long time since I scored that goal. We lost that match 2-1. The coach was impressed and gave me a chance. To his surprise I was an excellent shot. Now I put on the Nigerian number 9 jersey and step into the arena to meet 90,000 home fans cheering my name. And I know. Second chances are the best. - Victor

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