The Good News

“Lebo, we are not here on behalf of Mr Dlamini, let me get that across first,” the one who was introduced as Leecks said. His voice was soft, not typical of a man. “We are here on behalf of the DSR which is Department of Sports and Recreation, as your mother has said.”

“Yes,” the one who was introduced as Mike added. “We have been receiving a lot of calls and messages after today’s publication of your article. People want answers. After much deliberation at the office, we decided to remove the ban that was placed on you by Mr Dlamini.”

Lebo couldn’t believe it. She looked at her mother, who was beaming with joy and excitement.

“We will allow you to play only the remaining games in the tournament with Benny FC, but not more than that. It is still not allowed for girls to play among boys.”

Lebo was confused hearing this. “So if Mr Dlamini was right to ban me, why are you lifting that ban?”

“Because, Lebo,” Leecks started, “we understand why you had to play with boys in the first place. Girls have no division of their own, so it was either you played with boys or you didn’t play at all. We can’t support discrimination. If Chairman Mr Dlamini had done his job well and created two divisions instead of one, you wouldn’t be in this position in the first place.”

Lebo understood. “So you will create another division after this tournament?”

“It is not that simple, but yes, we promise you that. Firstly we have to investigate this matter further with the Provincial Department of Sports and Recreation, and work with them for the way forward,” Mike explained sincerely.

Lebo was excited. At least she had the chance to play this Saturday. The men saluted her for her bravery, but Lebo didn’t take all the credit herself. She gave much of it to Mbali, the original person who started this fight. “I just finished off what Mbali and the other girls had already started,” she said.

The men left and Lebo celebrated with her mother.

“I have to go and tell Mbali. She will be so excited!”

“Yes, you should.”

“Yes!” yelled Lebo and Mbali as they hugged each other tightly, joyful. Mbali had also just returned from school when Lebo arrived to tell her the exciting news. Of course a lot still had to be put in place, but they had succeeded. They would have their own division, sooner or later.

Mbali composed herself and asked Lebo, “So where to from here?”

“I am going to the practice. We have a game this Saturday!” They jumped again in joy, with their fingers interlocked.

“Okay, that’s enough.” Mbali withdrew from Lebo. “Go – before you are late on your first day back after detention.”

“Ha! Ha! Funny,” said Lebo, and she set off running for home to change into her training gear.

* * * * *

“Welcome back! I told you she missed us.” General welcomed Lebo with a tight hug and few high-fives.

“It’s been like, how long? Two weeks?” T-Touch laughed as he poked at Lebo.

“No, I didn’t miss you. You were the ones who missed me! I heard that you nearly got knocked out of the tournament,” Lebo fired back.

“Who lied to you?” Scara said as he approached. His knee was bandaged. “We dominated that match. Matter of fact, I dominated that match. Why do you think they did this to me?”

They all laughed.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Coach said, cutting the reunion party short. “It is nice to finally have you back, Lebo. Even though you won’t be with us for too long, hey?”

“Yes, Coach. But I am ready to make the most of my short time with you all. Let’s win this tournament!”

“Yes!” they all shouted in high spirits.

“That is what I love to hear.” Coach turned to the rest of the team, and said in a loud voice: “Now give me five laps to show me how ready you are!”

“Nooooo!” they all whined.

“What? Didn’t you just say you wanted to win this tournament a few seconds ago? You think you will win it by lazing around? Didn’t think so. Now hit it!”

They all took off, sprinting.

“It’s good to have you back, Lebo.” T-Touch winked at her.

Lebo decided she was prepared to be honest with T-Touch. She would tell him everything he needed to know about her now.

As she ran with the team, she felt good. It was great to be back, even for a short while.

* * * * *

It had been two weeks since Benny FC won the tournament. Lebo had played so well that after the match, while she was busy celebrating with her teammates, she was called to the side by Coach. He told her that the coach from the township of Sluma, who trained a team of girls too, wanted her to join his team. Lebo excitedly accepted the offer on the spot. It meant that while the Association was busy establishing a girls’ division, which could take more than a year, she would be playing in Sluma – just one taxi ride away from Sonwabo.

Another thing: when she had told T-Touch why her family had to move from Germiston to here, he said it was silly of her to keep this from him. He didn’t laugh at her, or make her feel bad. She appreciated his friendship.

Now, walking home from school, Lebo thought to herself, I definitely love it here. I love Diski-land!

***

Tell us: Is Lebo a good leader? Why or why not?