The Devastating News

Even the next day, people around the township were still recounting that match between Benny FC and Junior Eagles. They couldn’t get over it. Some were going on about that girl Coach substituted his star player, Small, with. They were still in disbelief that a girl could handle boys with such flair.

But there were others who were against her playing with boys. They saw it as an abomination. Lebo didn’t pay them any attention. They were just haters.

* * * * *

It was Monday, two days after their win. Coach was absent at the beginning of the practice, only arriving when it was almost over.

“Two laps and stretch!” Coach shouted, and blew the whistle from the side-line. The team started to run. After they stretched, they sat down. Coach looked like he had something to say. His face was hard, and he had his arms folded.

“Okay, gents … and lady, of course,” Coach started. “As you all must have noticed, I arrived late today, because I was at the Association’s offices to fetch the fixture list for the upcoming quarter final matches.” Coach waved a white file he was holding.

Lebo was silent. This was ominous. She sensed something was wrong so she braced herself.

“So this Saturday we will be playing against Liverpool, and the winner will progress to the semi-finals, obviously.”

The team whispered among each other. Lebo felt left out, not understanding.

“Liverpool is the toughest team in Sonwabo. It is from Section D. It hasn’t lost a game in this tournament,” T-Touch whispered to her. She nodded in understanding. She didn’t understand, though, why they all seemed so worried. They were a strong team themselves. They were fit to handle any team. Let Liverpool come, we will show it dust like we did Junior Eagles, she thought, and smirked.

“And that’s not all,” Coach continued. Lebo’s heart beat faster. “I don’t know how to say this so I’ll just say it as it is. While we were there, the Chairman, Mr Dlamini, asked me about Lebo. He told me that he shouldn’t have to see her play again. He said girls have no business playing among boys. I tried to appeal to him. Even the other coaches backed me up, but … I am so sorry Lebo.”

Lebo felt dizzy. Her world was turned upside down. She couldn’t think or feel; she was numb. T-Touch placed his arm around her shoulders to console her. She was teary.

“I am deeply sorry, Lebo. Mr Dlamini threatened to suspend the team from the tournament if we don’t comply with the rules,” Coach said.

After the meeting adjourned, Coach walked Lebo home. Lebo knew he wanted to be the one to break the devastating news to her parents. She appreciated that. It showed that he cared.

Lebo’s parents were furious after Coach told them everything, especially her father.

“Thank you for coming here to tell us this yourself. We appreciate it,” Lebo’s mother thanked Coach.

Right after he left, Lebo broke down and cried. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She was hurt.

“Mama, Sis’ Lebo is crying. Mama why is Sis’ Lebo crying?” Masesi asked, innocently.

“Nothing to worry about, Sesi.” Lebo’s mother lifted Masesi up and kissed her cheeks to distract her from asking further questions. “Now go to the bedroom and fetch my phone. You want to watch that video again, right?”

Masesi nodded and ran to the bedroom as soon as she was put down.

Lebo’s father rubbed her back gently, consoling her.

***

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