Aubrey's Dream

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.

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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.

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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