It
was crunch time and with only ten minutes left on the clock, all that mattered
to Aubrey was scoring the winning goal for his soccer team. Sweat flowing freely
down his serious face, he managed to kick the ball hard into the net. Securing
his team, The Thunders, into the
soccer finals. The deafening cheers from the supporters over-powered that of Aubrey’s
and his soccer mates. It was a really memorable moment for all who were present
at the gigantic stadium and watching from home.
************
Aubrey
was known as the township loser, a small time thug and all round enemy. Orphaned
at a very young age, Aubrey grew up on the muddy streets of his township. He
was rebellious and a leader of a small gang, obvious combinations that later
landed him in jail for a draining eighteen months. Though he fought regularly
and threw filthy words to all those getting in his way with no remorse, Aubrey
was a truly likeable person. He had innocent features and beautiful skin, hair
grown into thick dreadlocks and with a moderate average height. He’s posture
was upright and he only slumped when defending himself or when he’d been up to
mischief. Sadly though, for this pretty boy to be in prison meant filthy
pleasures for the other gruesome inmates.
Five
months into his sentence, Aubrey was already feared and respected. He wanted
nothing to do with the sick inmates who would initiate disgusting inductions. Well,
honestly most inmates just simply feared him so respect was seldom displayed or
offered. Groups of inmates playing cards and violently pushing those trying to
cheat would automatically go silent whenever the charming Aubrey entered their
domes. “Bra Aubi is coming, pack the cards and hide the money!” they’d
nervously yell to one another. “Oh men, why hide all your toys when I come in?”
he’d mock them. Leaving them embarrassed at how small this new inmate made them
feel.
Behind
his intimating demeanor, Aubrey was really just an insecure bully who feared
what people might say or do to him. He’d taught himself never to show his fear,
instructed his mind and heart to never feel hurt or disappointment. So he
always strove for success in all things he engaged in, good or bad. In most
cases, he’d get what he wants by aggressive measures or by hair-raising threats
that rattled even the toughest and most feared gang members. So Aubrey was
known to be a youngster with a powerful character, with no-one bothering to
find out about his other side.
The
young man’s other side was calm, patient and appreciative. He had a strong love
for nature and soccer. Though he never nourished that talent, he loved playing
innocent matches whenever his prison schedule allowed. “Soccer…” he’d explain
to his uneducated groupies, “…is a way of life. It’s as vital as the air you
breath and beautiful as the morning sun.” His friends, thinking he’d read that
from somewhere would straightforwardly laugh at him and walk away still
laughing and throwing their arms in the air.
Aubrey
was used to his childish associates and would often ignore their ignorant ways
and comments. After serving his jail time, he went on a three month retreat. In
the hopes of finding his inner purpose. He’d grown to realise how much of an
empty vessel he was and found it a great priority to re-polish his talents and
abilities. His friends who had waited for him on the outside thought their
leader and mentor had gone AWOL. Again he side tracked their opinions and
continued with his brave plight of self-discovery.
During
this insightful time, the ex-convict discovered he has a deep love for sports
history. And with all this new self discovery, it surely brought a great flow
of excitement into his life, until he arrived at his old home he’d made from
scraps of cardboard and what ever rubble he found, smashed in and looking
damaged. It broke his heart that that was how his life looked like before he found
his true purpose.
After
long days in isolation, Aubrey was ready to grace the nation with his new found
passion, soccer. He suddenly got the urge to take this widely loved sport seriously
and perhaps even go professional. He participated in many youth soccer leagues
and the township gossipers where quick to say he’s only out to rob the leagues’
of their money. After five years of helping the less-advantaged youngsters,
Aubrey was now highly acclaimed for changing his ways and doing something
worthwhile. He was proud of himself and his inner-joy radiated through his now
polished speech, calmer ton of voice and the simple life he was leading.
Though
everything in Aubrey’s life was blooming, he yearned to be on the field,
dribbling and showing off his golden ball skills like greats such as Pele and
Lucas Radebe. His feet twitched to work the ball on the dusty soccer fields, to
hear sheers and roars that fuel him to run like never before, but he soon
realized that was just a dream. He’d sometimes get lost in his own imagination
that would lead him to a green soccer pitch and even bigger crowds. Returning
to reality only to realise all that he’d imagined was all but a bubble that
would end up floating into empty spaces.
During
his earlier years out in the streets and learning how to survive in the jungle
that was his home, Aubrey had gotten very inquisitive and outspoken. He had a
long list of great contacts and it occurred to him it was time he called James
Collar, owner of Rainbow Strikers,
and ask him when their next soccer practice will be. “Ah!! Bra Aubrey, how have
you been, what can I do for you?” Mr. Collar asked, in his signature husky,
cigar polluted vice. ”Ya bra Collar, I am good, listen I need to know when you
going to have your next practice.” Not knowing if he should disclose such
information, Mr. Collar paused for a minute. But when he remembered how far
back he and Aubrey come, he did not hesitate to tell him. “Tomorrow, five thirty
at Willington Stadium.” “Thanks bra Collar, see you soon” replied Aubrey
excitedly.
****************
Aubrey
arrived at the Rainbow Strikers
practice excited and feeling energized. In black shorts, bright yellow t-shirt
and his favourite gold-spikes, he joined the players in their warm-up routine.
Aubrey was also very obnoxious and did not care were his hasty actions would
get him. The players looked at him strangely, Coach Buthelezi came rushing over
instructing him to leave the sports ground immediately. “Who do you think you
are, you are interrupting professional players in their routine. I want you to
leave now!” the chubby coach yelled, with his short arms wagging along his
sides.
Very
calmly, Aubrey walked to the coach and told him he wants to show him his capable
of making the team. “Hahaha, boy who are you kidding? Only the best have made
it into this team.” Coach Buthelezi said, with a huge mocking grin on his round
face.
With
an adamant attitude, Aubrey simply looked at the coach and said “Let me show
you exactly how good I am.” Coach Buthelezi’s jaw slightly dropped as he’d
never come across such an arrogant man. Even though coach Buthelezi was strict,
he was rather a bit open-minded and always looking for fresh talent. He then
let Aubrey practice with the team and prove his worth.
Five
months down the line, Aubrey was an established professional soccer player,
playing for his favourite team, The
Thunders. Coach Buthelezi did not regret ever letting him practice with his
small team. Coach taught Aubrey a lot and exposed the once cocky criminal to a
great deal of opportunities.
Aubrey
was where he’d always wanted to be and he was now at his happiest. Scoring the
winning goal made him a hero and a legend to those who looked up to him. Aubrey
showed and proved to those who doubted him that no matter your background, you
are capable of living your dreams.
-Thandi Xaba
