The second friendly of the season is played against the Rosslyn Varsity boys. As the team gels, these matches are organised to simulate competitive league football.
Kisasa FC’s starting line-up is a mix of certain and uncertain picks. The boys are still learning each other’s names. After a rainy start to the year, it’s another beautiful sunny day, perfect for football.
Coach Dan is at the touchline. His coaching is quieter than Coach Brice’s, and you can hear the vital communication rising from amongst the boys. Telling each other “man on”, to move into space, to not hurry the play. By the 20th minute it’s still 0-0. Points are made about speeding up decision making.
Varsity boys win a penalty in the 26th minute, a fast ball into a Kisasa hand. A series of free kicks present the closest goal-scoring opportunities for Kisasa, but the most uplifting thing for any supporter is hearing the boys speaking to one another on the pitch. The defence gives the attack a sound basis to build on. The attack still needs to finish once it gets into the final third.
“The game is fairly even. Rosslyn show up with positioning and athleticism. Kisasa pull through with technicality.”
Coach Tuji, half time
At half time Coach Dan presses the boys: communicate, recognise how they play for one another. He touches on the missed passes. He talks about getting basics right. On the other half of the pitch, Coach Tuji, coaching the varsity boys, gives them time to talk. Experienced players in the off-season pointing out each other’s areas of improvement.
The match will be played in three halves: 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 20 minutes.
A free kick worth watching
Second half. Two back-to-back chances. The first is a penalty, but it flies over the bar. The second is a determined run from 22, a good tackle in the box throws him off, but he gets it back from the covering defender. His attempt is weak; the keeper gathers comfortably.
Then, out of nothing, another chance. He’s clear on goal. The flag goes up. Soon after, we get one back, followed by a wonderful free kick from Nelbert which equalises the score. It’s a beauty. One of those moments that remind us all why we watch football.
Varsity boys get a break on goal, getting a beautiful save out of our keeper. Then it’s 3-2. We take the lead from swift, decisive build-up play. Coach Dan yells from the sidelines: “You’re good! Mko juu! You know ball!”
4-2. We win the ball back in the final third. A quick pass finds the attacker onside; the shot zooms past the keeper. The Rosslyn varsity boys don’t let up. 4-3. Then 4-4 sees the game end as a draw.
Four goals are nothing short of a sign that this team is working towards playing scintillating football.