This story has been specially created to celebrate World Read Aloud Day 2018 by reading-for-enjoyment campaign, Nal’ibali. Find this story in all SA official languages and find out more about the project here.

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“I am going to score two goals today, Dad,” said Neo as he put on his soccer boots.

“And I’ll help by adding three goals to that, Uncle,” said Priya who had just arrived at Neo’s house with her little brother, Rahul. Rahul was carrying his bright red vuvuzela.

Neo’s Dad laughed. “Well, I look forward to cheering five times then!”

“And me, Uncle! Can I also cheer?” asked Rahul.

“Of course, my boy,” said Neo’s dad as he helped Mbali put on her shoes. “Now, let’s get going!”

They all got in the car. Neo sat in front. He had sat there many times before. He was sure that if his dad would allow him, as soon as his legs were long enough, he’d be able to drive the car. It looked easy. Rahul and Priya sat at the back on either side of Mbali. They tickled her and she giggled.

Before everyone knew it, they were at the soccer field. They were just in time for Priya and Neo to join their teammates from the Maqhawe Football Club for their warm up. They were playing against the Diamond Football Club today.

“Remember to make sure that you dull the shine of those Diamonds so much, that after the match they have to change their name to the Coal Football Club,” said their coach.

Then it was time for the players to run out onto the field. The referee blew his whistle and the match began.

Things started slowly, but they soon picked up. There was a lot of noise as the families of the children in both teams cheered. The ball would be on Maqhawe’s side of the field for a bit, then just as it looked as if they were going to move it into the Diamond’s half, one of those players would steal the ball away! The match went on like this until half-time.

“I’m bored! You promised you were going to score goals,” Rahul told Neo and Priya when they came to the sideline.

“Ja. Mbali wants goals, Mbali wants goals,” repeated Mbali. “Mbali is sleepy,” she added yawning. Neo and Priya just laughed and ran back to join their teammates.

The whistle blew and the players ran onto the field for the second half. The match continued in the same way as things had gone in the first half … until there was only one minute left!

Neo had the ball. He
looked around to see if
there was anyone from the
Diamond’s team near him.
No, he was alone.
He ran forward,
dribbling the
ball. Suddenly a
Diamond’s player
appeared. Neo
looked him
straight in
the eyes as
he kicked
the ball between the other player’s legs. The spectators screamed with excitement.

Another Diamond’s player moved towards Neo to tackle him. Quickly, Neo passed the ball to Priya.

Everyone held their breath as Priya took the ball and kicked it hard. LADUMA! The Diamond’s goalie had not even seen the ball coming! Priya had scored a goal.

And not a second too soon. Just as she turned around to celebrate the goal, the referee blew the final whistle! Maqhawe had won the game!

Neo was so pleased that he ran towards Priya and lifted her up!

Together they ran to their teammates and coach at the side of the field, and they all dabbed. Then Priya and Neo rushed over to Neo’s dad. Rahul was blowing his vuvuzela loudly

“That was an ice-cream deserving performance, Priya and Neo,” said Neo’s dad. “Would our two heroes like that?”

“Yes! We like ice-cream,” Mbali answered for them. They all laughed.

Neo picked up Mbali and carried her as
they went to buy ice-cream. He might not have scored the two goals he had wanted to, but he had helped his best friend score the winning goal! And Priya? She was happy because that was her first-ever goal for Maqhawe. The sound of Rahul’s vuvuzela was like sweet music being played just for her.