20 Jan 2025.
It was a wonderful afternoon, and Jaden sat glued to the TV, watching a replay of a football match between two of the greatest teams in the English Premier League.
Jaden Senzo is a young black man with a brown complexion, short black hair streaked with grey at the sides, and light brown eyes. He wears a black shirt, blue pants, and black shoes.
He wasn't watching as a fan, he was analyzing every detail like a coach, scribbling notes with intense focus.
"Wow, the physicality, pace, and tactics of the English division are a joy to watch," Jaden said, his face lit with passion, like a child seeing the game for the first time.
After the match ended, Jaden decided to take a walk. His heart longed for the day he could participate in football, not as a player, but as a manager. As he strolled through the streets of his township, Soshanguve, he reflected on his choices.
"Just turned 21… it's been three years since I finished high school. Somehow, I chose to stay home and look for a job instead of going to varsity. But that's not what I want. I want football. I love football. The tactical side of it makes my heart skip a beat every time I think about it," he murmured, lost in thought.
Eventually, Jaden found himself at a local football field where two under-17 teams were playing. Curious, he stopped to watch from the sidelines. Beside him stood a tall stranger in a grey suit, with a brown complexion and short black hair.
"The way these two teams are lined up is intriguing. They're both very defensive," Jaden observed calmly.
One player stood out, a young African boy with blonde hair, playing for the team in orange. A long pass was sent his way, soaring high into the air. The boy jumped very high, extending his right leg to control the ball with the tip of his boot. His touch was flawless.
The defenders froze, stunned by his control. It was as if he were the ground itself, absorbing the wheels of an airplane as they landed. Without hesitation, the blonde boy retracted his foot and fired a shot while still airborne, 33 yards out. The goalkeeper dived quickly and blocked it, though the attempt had clearly caught him off guard.
Spectators were left speechless.
"Damn it… looks like I didn't put enough power into that shot," the boy said calmly.
"Blondie is good… very good. That's top-tier technique," Jaden remarked.
The stranger beside him suddenly felt something unusual.
"Whoa… I just sensed a strong presence," he muttered, scanning the field. His eyes landed on Jaden.
"That kid… he's been here all along, but I only noticed him just now. Looks like he's analyzing the match, I'd pay a penny for his thoughts," the man thought, curiosity etched on his face. He approached Jaden.
"Hey, kid," he called.
Jaden snapped out of his focus, turning sharply.
"Kid? Did this geezer just call me a kid?" Jaden thought, his cold brown eyes narrowing.
"Mind if I watch the game with you?" the stranger asked warmly.
"Not at all," Jaden replied.
"I'm Mr. Tau. Pleasure to meet you, son," he said, extending his hand.
"I'm Jaden," Jaden responded politely, shaking it.
They watched the remainder of the match together. The final whistle blew, as Jaden was about to leave, Mr. Tau asked
"What do you think of No. 10, the blonde?"
"Hmm… him? Well… he's top tier, no doubt. But he's being used in the wrong position," Jaden replied.
Mr. Tau's eyes sharpened.
"If he played as an advanced midfielder, he'd score plenty. He can move into channels, drop deep to collect the ball, his control and decision making are excellent. And his shooting is exceptional… with the freedom to roam, the sky wouldn't even be the limit for him," Jaden explained, smiling at the boy.
"Wow, kid… that's some advanced analysis. Your judgment is impressive," Mr. Tau said.
"Haha, thanks, Mr.," Jaden replied.
Mr. Tau's thoughts raced. "What is this feeling? In all my years as a football director, I've never heard such tactical insight from a coach. A small tweak, but the idea… the fact that he came up with it…"
"Mr… Mr. Tau?" Jaden asked.
"Oh, sorry kid. Listen, I'm a sports director at Nobles Fc. I come here from time to time to scout players. But today… I ended up scouting a manager. How would you like to be the new manager of Nobles Fc?" Mr. Tau said, scratching his head and extending his hand once more.
Jaden froze, completely silent. As his heart skipped a beat. There offer felt too good to be true...
To be continued.