Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

The Chapter 114

Sage Royce arrived at the Soverein Stadium just as Anderlecht's players entered the dressing room. "You know, we were late because of your carelessness" he said, speaking Dutch. "I failed to even catch a glimpse of the players before they could enter the dressing room."

"Relax" Monica Rnning, a dark-haired skinny girl who is a friend of her flat, said in response. "We still have an hour to start the game. What's the point of looking at the players before the game starts?"

Sage sighed, shaking his head. "What do you know? I want to get the signatures from Ronald Vargas and Alexsandar Mitrovic before the game starts. They are two of our new team stars. But now, I'm already behind."

Monica frowned hearing that. "You're desperate" he said. "Can't you ask our neighbor to give you an autograph? I've seen you talk to him a few times. Why didn't you ask him to help?"

"We weren't close enough to ask him to take me a signature from another player" Sage replied. Moreover, he had just joined the team. Asking for an autograph on my behalf would make him uncomfortable around his team-mates. Imagine walking up to a teammate and asking for an autograph. If you were in his place, would you be able to do it? she?"

"If that doesn't work, you can try asking your grandfather for help."

"Are you kidding me?" Sage smiled wryly.

"Then you can just wait for another chance" Monica said. "But for now, let's buy our tickets first and go to the stands. The stadium is quite small. I'm afraid we won't be able to get a seat if we delay."

"OK, let's buy the ticket," Sage agreed and led the way to the gate of Ruta Arena.

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Right after Sage and Monica entered the stadium, a group of young men and women arrived at the stadium gate. They were Nero's acquaintances. They all wore purple and white Anderlecht headbands on their heads, Anderlecht scarves on their necks, plus white purple Anderlecht jerseys behind their jackets. They seem like loyal fans of The Purple and White. Due to that simple fact, they attracted some unfriendly gazes from the fans of host Lommel SK as they made their way to the ticket office.

"It's a very small place" Ryandi commented right after paying for his ticket. "Are you sure we're in the right place? The stadium where Anderlecht will face Lommel SK in the second round of the Belgian Cup?"

The other four people around him laughed at that.

"Don't take Lommel SK lightly" interrupted Damon Kvennson, shaking his head. "Although their stadium seems subpar, the club itself how do I call it?" He stopped, seemingly remembering some information. "They are a very famous and competitive multi-sports club with sections for athletics, handball, football, speed skating, and cross-country skiing. Their cross-country skiing team even has some world cup competitors. Petter Nargen, one of the top athletes in Belgium, is from around here. So, they are not just an ordinary football club. They deserve our respect."

"Then, they have to build a stadium that suits their status" Stefan Kvennson said. He also just finished paying for his ticket.

"But their men's football team is only in the second division" Damon said, shaking his head. "And they don't need a bigger football stadium to ski or skate."

"OK, guys," said Amelia Leroy, frowning slightly. "Let's go to the stadium. At a rate where the fans are flooding in, it will be full in just a few minutes. So, we better hurry."

"Agree," said Maria Leroy, her twin sister while nodding.

But just as Ryandi was about to sit on one of the chairs, he heard someone call his name. He turned around and realized that it was Sage Royce. "Ryandi," he shouted, trying to make himself hear the chatter of the fans around him. "Why don't you and your friends join us here? We have plenty of room." He pointed at the empty chair beside him.

"You know him" asked Stefan, looking at him with a smile that wasn't a smile.

"Yes" replied Ryandi. "Don't misunderstand me. He's Mr.'s grandson. Thorgan Royce, the scout who took us to Brussels. He's also Nero's friend." He added, glancing at Maria.

"What do you say, Thorgan Royce?" Both Stefan and Damon exclaimed, their eyes widened and mouths agape. They look funny.

"Yes, Mr. Thorgan, scout," Ryandi replied as he glanced at Sage who was still waiting for their response. "What's wrong? Why are you two surprised?"

Both Damon and Stefan sighed simultaneously.

"You may not know this because you only arrived at the academy two years ago" Damon said. "But Mr. Royce is a legend, famous in most circles who has supported Anderlecht for a long time. He was an executive on the club's board until three or four years ago. I can't remember when he retired. "

"I have heard that he is one of the people who has contributed a lot to the success of the club. That's why there's a saying: Coach Hank in the light, Mr. Royce in the dark. Many claim that it was the key to Anderlecht's success over the past two decades. He may still be in management, despite not actively participating in club matters for many years."

"Isn't he just a regular lookout?" Ryandi looked at Damon doubtfully. He still remembers the first time he saw a scout in Jakarta. Mr. Royce wore simple Khaki shorts, an unironed shirt, and casual sandals. He has no relationship whatsoever with someone who was once part of the management of a famous Belgian club.

"You're kidding me, aren't you," Stefan replied, frowning at her. "How could you not know this when he asks you?"

"Friends," cut off Amelia, interrupting their conversation. "You better decide whether we'll watch the game there or stay here. He's waiting, and the players are going to start their warm-up. So, decide."

"OK, okay," said Ryandi, stealing a glance at Sage once more. He noted that the five seats next to him were still empty. "What do you think, guys? Should we watch the game from there?" He asked the rest.

"I'm fine" Damon said.

"I am too..."

"All right then." Ryandi nodded after hearing the response from the others. "Since you all agree, let's watch the match from there."

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