Second Chances: Indonesian Football Player

Chapter 24: Pre-Game Training (2)

On Friday, the training session was focused on taking a close look at the physical condition of the players who will be attending the match. All players undergo fitness exercises that test their flexibility, agility, and stamina. I vigorously completed all the necessary exercises, as instructed by Coach Andrew Marcel.

When it came time to run the speed and agility cone drills, I did double the amount needed. I understood the importance of physical training and decided to defeat myself with my young body

I've heard that Cristiano Ronaldo made it to the top by doing inhumane fitness conditioning from a young age. I have no way to verify the rumors. However, I want to emulate such hard work to keep myself fit throughout my career and most importantly, improve my agility.

I quietly finished training that day without wasting any time for unnecessary chats with the others. I don't have the luxury of it because I haven't officially joined the team. All I can think about is how to impress the coaches. I will have all the time to bond with other players after performing well during the game

Monday's training session focused on training the match formation into the players' style of play. The coaches host several 6-on-4 team drills that focus on passing and team play.

I did tackles like a football maniac, intercepted balls like the future of N'Golo Kante, and constantly made some crazy moves outside the ball as I participated. It was as if I had endless stamina with a nitro machine strapped to my body.

By the time the practice was over, most of my new teammates treated me with respect as a hardworking player who never got tired. The training had revealed to them that I was the type of player that anyone hated as an opponent. I'm good at all the dirty work like tackles needed for the team.

However, there are some U-19 players who are unsure or, more likely, too jealous to respect the new fifteen-year-old from Asia.

Some even insulted me, making sure that I heard their verbal abuse. I don't care about some simple-minded teenagers.

I've learned my lesson during the trials in Jakarta and won't fight. I was in Europe to play football . I won't let my anger get in the way of that.

I turned a blind eye to some of the boys and finished my cooling routine while waiting for the line-up from the coach.

And I don't have to wait long.

A few minutes later, Coach Marcel blew the whistle and gestured everyone into the center circle.

"Thank you for attending the training today," he started after all the players sat on the smooth grass.

"I've said everything there was before during training and won't waste your time with long speeches." He grinned, letting his gaze roam across players who were already impatiently waiting for the line-up. He seemed to enjoy the tension hanging in the night air.

The players, including me, did not make a dissatisfied voice to pressure the coach into rushing to deliver his speech. They were quietly waiting for him to advance at his own pace. No player will make such a mistake on the eve of a big game.

"Sir. It's almost seven." Assistant Coach Marcel, Andre Robert, reminded him.

"Oh," he said, opening his notebook.

"The provisional strength for tomorrow's match against U-19 Zulte Waregem is as follows..."

"Wicketkeeper; Davy Roef, Jelle Mercx."

"Defense; Jonathan Vervoort, Herve Matthys, Arnaud De Greef, Jordan Lukaku, and Sandy Walsh."

"Consider; Alexandre De Bruyn, Leander Dendoncker, Samy Bourard, and Nero Juniar."

"Attackers; Romelu Lukaku, Nathan Kabasele, and Mehdi Tarfi."

"For the selected, make sure it is in Lotto Park tomorrow at 15:00. We'll have a team meeting before the game."

I left the training ground just after coach Marcel finished mentioning the line-up for the match. A heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders when the coach called my name as part of the team. I walk with my head high. My steps are lighter and more carefree.

I look forward to the match against Zulte Waregem.

The cold night gave me a reason to rush over to get home and enjoy the warmth of the heating system in my room. I accelerated my pace to reach the house in less than fifteen minutes.

“You're Back.” Ryandi said while giving me a small smile as I entered the small kitchen that also serves as our living room. I noticed that he had just put the fries and chicken breasts in the oven. Ryandi is someone who enjoys chicken. That was the conclusion I made after spending the last few days with his friend.

“How .?” he asked while looking at me expectantly.

“What do you think? Of course I'm signed into the team tomorrow.” I said with a happy smile.

“Gosh, you're so lucky. You're already going to play a game in Europe, while I'm stuck with physical exercise in the gym, day after day.” He said while breathing.

“Limit your meat consumption.That adds your fat” My advice is joking while grinning.

“Who said chicken adds fat? Just because of my height, I have a problem with a weak percentage in my body.” He said while pouting

“Are you in starting eleven?” he asked Back.

“Now, I don't know yet. The coach will name the first-team players tomorrow before the game. But most likely I will not play as starting eleven.” Answer me while shrugging my shoulders.

“That's understandable, you're still a beginner on the team. Will the match be played at Lotto Park Stadium?” Ask him

“Ya” answer me. Lotto Park, Stadium owned by RSC Anderlecht. The stadium is well managed and tightly controlled by the club's management. Our U-19 match against Zulte Waregem will take place at the main stadium.

“If you play, I will be there to cheer you up. Go and show the spirit of Indonesian football.” Ryandi said with a smile. He then focused on chopping onions for their dinner preparation. We decided to cook in turns during their stay together in Brussels. Today it's Ryandi's turn.

I'm not talking at length with Ryandi tonight. I called my parents, took a shower, had dinner, worshiped and went back to the room to sleep at 9 p.m. I'm tired mentally and physically. Training has emptied my energy reserves.

But I am happy that I have taken another step towards achieving my dream of becoming a professional footballer on the international stage.

I felt comfortable as I crawled under the covers, dreaming of myself in a luxurious bed.