I am reminded by Brother Steve aka Beste wa matm of a bible verse Mathew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you,” All week long players have been crying for more minutes of play and with a huge confirmation list the OOT cartel had been put to task to quell the tension arising within the team. Even adherent “player wa mateam mingi” was requesting for more game time as we wondered where the rest of his teams went. But with the backing of the godfather (read Droopy) the secretary-general, Ogochee was quick to organize a second match. The cries of the “Wajiku” had finally been answered. PSC OOT vs. Nyoso FC at 1 pm and PSC OOT vs. Tasia Legends at 3 pm. Everything had been set for a very enjoyable afternoon. I went to a high school where we only had two school rules; I won’t mention the first one but I would state if focused on respecting authority and your neighbor. For the second one, it simply stated “Anything contrary to decency, good manners or common sense is contrary to the rules of the school.” In short, it focused on discipline, and as we all know common sense may not be that common. PSC OOT vs. Tasia Legends team sheet was availed by Friday allowing everyone to know their stipulated game time. It goes without saying that if you were not on the team sheet you either arrive early for the first match or just wait to be a substitute for the second match risking playing fewer minutes, and that’s where common sense comes in. Anyway, the early birds were slotted into the lineup by stand-in Coach Nicko (Coach Mwai alikua ameekelewa mguu, you know when that happens you aren’t leaving that bed anytime soon) With Babu’s internship coming to an end it was Evergreen Buffon who returned to save the day starting in goal. The experienced shot-stopper was out to prove that he was not yet past his sell-by due date and that he is back. You can never question his PSC patriotism as he donned his yellow and green Parklands colors. Steve and Lenny were looking to erase their horror performance in the previous match when they decided to play rugby instead of football. Steve having impressed during the week was looking sharp and ready for action. Lenny on the other hand is known for possessing different forms with his game-day performance not equal to his week-day performance. A famous PSC is saying of “kuna player wa tizi na player wa game” it is without a doubt that Lenny whether fit or competing with Yokosuna he is a match day player, you always trust him to turn up. The center of the pack was balanced with agility on the wings in the form of dependable Gitau and Mitch. Gitau’s versatility and aerial ball abilities were necessary to support the center backs especially when Steve would attempt to drive through the middle or Lenny got possessed by the spirit of Ronaldinho and attempted some trickery in the middle of the pitch. With Waire still in the arms of the physiotherapist, Mitch has continued his gospel of fouls leading the chats in the number of fouls and tackles and yellow cards, this is despite missing the last game that saw over ten players booked and two red cards. Waire wherever you are you are well represented. The coach “hakua anabahatisha” in midfield going for the kill with Georgez holding and Chubar Junior and Johanna Mtembezi in front of him. With all three midfielders being on form the defense was assured of protection while for goals it was always a matter of when and not if. Doobiz was rewarded on the wing for good performance allowed to face the prodigal son Lefty, while hard worker Tony Tiger took the other wing to face another icon in the form of Ogochee. Sisco who was chasing his first goal of the season was looking sharp having found the solution to his goal drought (kuvunja kambi) a solution that had worked in the past (if you know you know). With ball-playing midfielders a holding Striker in Sisco and Tiger who enjoys running behind the defense it was no surprise that the team employed a simple Kamdam philosophy of “guza wacha” and to great effect. With the early kick-off starting a win was imminent as Sisco caused all manner of problems up front. The midfield was enjoying a field day passing the ball around with Nyoso requiring a microscope just to know where the ball was. With the midfield and strikers pressing starving Nyoso of opportunities, it led to a mistake from Nyoso who passed it to Johnny whose control has never been in question, and the execution of shot to the top of the roof was nothing short of orgasmic. 1-0 to PSC. PSC continued to pile more pressure and to an observer, you might have thought that Nyoso was employing Jose Mourinho’s parking the bus while actually they were being outplayed in their own half. Buffon could have gone to the gym or brought a magazine to read as he was left bored forcing him to keep calling for back passes at least so that he can be part of the game. A quick exchange between Georgez and Chubar allowed Georgez to set up Sisco who still had two men to beat and the ensuing shot confirmed why he is called “Omushambulizi” What a way to break his goal drought, two goalkeepers would have been in goal but the goal would still have gone in. PSC was in dreamville as they continued to prod for another goal. However, it was Nyoso that got a consolation due to Mitch’s moment of madness. A deft cross in the 18-yard area was sailing to the back of an unmarked Nyoso striker and the defender comes goalkeeper decided to handle the ball. There was no mistake from the penalty taker as Buffon was sent to the tennis courts while the ball rolled towards the gym area. E for effort but G for goal 2-1 the scoreline. With that being the last key action of the half the team went into the break-all square. Conserving energy for the second match, in came Tom Nasser for Sisco and Bassanga for Johnny. Experienced Conte was brought in to safeguard the result and bring tranquility in the defense as Koech Yego also came in to warm up for the second match. Rasco had the most impact on the bench and had a couple of chances go wide albeit suffering from the “dumba” that Buffon had placed on the goalpost but forgot to take out during the match. The was still enough time for Buffon to remind all and sundry that "pombe si supu" pulling an unbelievable one-on-one save that had even the opponents clapping for him. With the time trickling down Mutua was also brought in for tiring Tiger as the game wore off to an ending. 2-1 the final score the appetizer was served for the second match.
