Afternoon training session.
Che is twenty-five minutes into his first physical session, and it's hitting him hard. His legs feel like lead, dragging as he finishes his last lap of shuttle runs with weighted bags around his feet. His breath comes in short bursts. Every step feels heavier than the last.
Finally, he crosses the finish line—but he doesn't stay on his feet. He drops straight to the ground, gasping for air.
A player kneels beside him, tapping his face.
"You good?"
"No."
The coach notices him struggling and signals an assistant coach to help. Within minutes, Che is escorted to the medical room, lying flat on the examination bed while the doctor and coach speak quietly in the corner. Their conversation makes him nervous, his mind racing about possible outcomes.
The doctor finally approaches. "Che, how are you feeling?"
"Tired… Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine. Your body just isn't used to the intensity yet, which is why you're exhausted."
Che furrows his brows. "I don't get it—I never have stamina issues."
"Even if your stamina is strong, physical training challenges different aspects—strength, endurance, explosiveness. And since you're still young, your body hasn't fully adapted to training designed for older players."
Che stiffens. "Am I getting kicked out?"
The assistant coach steps in. "Not at all, kid. You just won't be available for this month's matches."
Che sits upright. "How many matches?"
"This whole month's fixtures. You'll follow a tailored training program to build up your endurance."
The doctor adds, "And considering your age, there's no rush. If you don't catch up by the end of the month, we may place you in the U-15s until the season ends."
Che's eyes widen. "What? I didn't even get to prove myself! And now I'm getting demoted again?"
The coach leans forward, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We know you're talented, and we're committed to your growth. You're young—what's the rush?"
Che hesitates before answering. "It's not about rushing... I know I'm better than the U-15s and U-17s. I want to play with the best, prove I belong at the top. But if this is what's best for me, I'll do it."
"Good. Now focus on recovering."
The coach heads back, leaving Che with the doctor, who runs a few more tests before allowing him to rest. When Che is ready to leave, the doctor glances at him.
"You must be really talented, kid."
Che raises a brow. "You think so?"
"Probably. You barely finished your first training session, and they're still willing to work with you? That says something. If you weren't special, they'd have cut you loose by now."
Che's heartbeat picks up, nerves creeping in. The doctor chuckles, realizing he might've spooked him.
"Don't overthink it. Just work hard, and you'll be fine."
Back in the locker room, Che showers early, finishing before the others arrive. Once the players trickle in, Leon spots him and bursts into laughter, making a beeline for his seat.
"Bro, I saw you drop dead on the field—I lost it."
Che groans. "Man, what do you want?"
"What happened?" Leon smirks.
"You saw what happened."
"If you can't handle this, might as well pack your bags now."
"Unfortunately for you, I'm staying."
"Obviously you would."
"You know what it is. Now go shower—you stink." Che smirks, covering his nose.
Leon scoffs. "You wouldn't know, since you didn't finish training." His laugh spreads through the locker room, making a few others chuckle.
One of the players steps forward. "You feeling better?"
Che shrugs. "Depends. If you mean earlier, no. If you mean now... still no."
"Don't stress, bro. First sessions are rough—you'll get used to it."
Che sighs. "Yeah, whatever. Let them laugh for now."
The player chuckles. "That was a whole different ball game compared to trials, huh?"
"No joke."
"Exactly. Felix Bauer, by the way. I'm a forward." He offers a fist bump.
Che returns it. "Che Louw."
"Played against you last week—you were solid. Expecting a lot from you."
Che tilts his head. "Knew you looked familiar. You were team white's striker, right?"
"Yeah."
"Damn, man—what are you doing here, training with us?"
"Was trialing for the U-19s. Their striker's out for three weeks, so I've got one last match before moving up."
"Your farewell match?"
"Nah. You guys don't have a striker right now, so you better level up so I can leave."
Che chuckles. "Yeah, yeah."
Felix grins, heading to the showers.
Che moves to the cafeteria, eating quietly at a table near the back. Slowly, the other players start filing in. Leon grabs his tray, scanning the room before spotting Che. He heads over, slapping the back of his head before sitting down.
"Damn, kid, I couldn't find your small ass anywhere."
Che flicks his teeth and shakes his head.
"You still salty about what happened in the locker room?"
"No, Leon. I just prefer eating quietly."
Che glances at Leon's plate—it's overloaded with different meats and sides.
"What?" Leon shrugs. "A man needs to eat."
"Not that much."
Felix joins their table, chuckling.
"Nah, where you think I got this physique from? It's the food, too."
"Whatever you say, man." Felix smirks. "Felix, by the way."
"Leon. We played you at trials. Banged a hat-trick past us."
Felix grins. "I remember you—you were good too. That goal you scored? One of the best I've seen live."
Leon grins. "There's more where that came from."
Felix tilts his head. "You don't say. What are you doing here, though? Thought you'd already be with the U-19s."
"Same for you."
Felix shrugs. "I'm just filling in for the team this weekend. Next week, I'm gone."
Leon nods. "Me too."
Che narrows his eyes. "You're lying."
Leon smirks. "Real talk—I got a month or two to impress. If I do, I move up."
Felix whistles. "Damn."
Leon leans back. "Yeah—that's right. I'm better than you." He pokes Che's forehead.
Che rolls his eyes, pushing his hand away. "No, you're just older."
Leon grins wider. "So? Doesn't mean I'm not better."
Felix chuckles, watching their banter.
Che scoffs. "It does. You gotta grow first."
Leon bursts into laughter. "That's the weakest excuse I've ever heard in my life."
Felix shakes his head. "Bro, just leave the kid alone."
The two laugh while Che glares, eating silently.
The two get to know each other while Che is silently finishing his dinner.