On Wednesday, Max signed his first professional contract as he was unveiled as the new signing for Nobles FC. The news spread across the country, with Jaden Senzo making headlines for his bold decision to select a non-league player as his very first signing.
The stunt angered Nobles FC fans even more, with some threatening to protest.
The following day, Royalty Training Centre
Players were training while Jaden watched from the sidelines, joined by the football director, Mr. Tau.
"So, you made the headlines again. I never thought you'd go and sign him. I admit the kid was spectacular the other day I met you, that's why I was there in the first place," said Mr. Tau.
"Heh, yeah. I guess now I know how you felt when you brought me in. The kid has talent, and I think his personality will fit right in," replied Jaden.
"Personality?" asked Mr. Tau.
"He's kind of nonchalant. I don't think he's the type to crumble under pressure. Players with that mindset are useful in every game, they thrive even more in big matches," said Jaden.
"Hhm, that's interesting…" replied Mr. Tau as he stared at Jaden for a while. "Speaking of the kid, where is he?"
"There he is. He had to go to the toilet," replied Jaden, scratching the back of his head with an awkward grin.
Max arrived at the training ground, fully geared up. As he walked onto the field, everybody stopped training and looked at him. He never wavered for a second, he stood tall and kept walking. When he reached the field, Jaden joined him and announced that the first team would play against the second team for today's training.
Max was placed in the second team. All the players took their positions, waiting only for the whistle.
"Really? He wants us to play the second team? This is a waste of my time," said Ramsey, Nobles FC's no. 10, the CAM.
"You should focus more on the match, Rams," said Jeremy Bolt, the no. 9 CF.
"Come on, big guy. I know you also find this boring. A beast like you surely loves a challenge, and this ain't it. As for me, I'm going to put the new kid in his place, I don't like the look on his face," replied Ramsey.
The assistant coach Anderton blew the whistle!
Sunday, 4 p.m., The Majesty Stadium
Skyland's team bus arrived. As Savio Silva stepped off with his teammates behind him, they were greeted by a huge number of away fans outside the stadium, with some female fans screaming Savio's name.
The atmosphere inside was overwhelming. The stadium was full. The press, media, and even the furious Nobles FC fans abandoned their protest plans to support their pride and joy.
Social media went wild. Every post, comment, with viewers tuning in around the world. this match became the most watched game in South Africa before it had even started.
In the locker room
Jaden and his assistants stood in front of a tactical board while the players sat, fully geared up, some nervous, some calm, waiting for instructions.
"Okay, this will be my first match with you all, and we're going against the league leaders. We all know what's at stake here. Let's follow the game plan we trained for during the week and we'll be fine. The rest is up to you. Coach, please announce my starting lineup," said Jaden.
"Okay, coach. We'll line up with a 4-3-3. Goalkeeper: our captain Willies. Wing backs: Matlala and Tlou. Centre backs: Bob and Mathiba. Midfield: Sarr as DM, Ramsey and Martinez as CMs. Wingers: Khosa and Ramothwala. Bolt will lead as our advanced forward," said the assistant coach Anderson.
Nobles FC waited in the tunnel, lined up. A few seconds later, Skyland FC arrived, standing side by side with Nobles FC players. Savio exchanged formalities with Willies before they walked onto the field.
VIP Section
Mr. Tau sat with the board members.
"I must say, Director Tau, I'm impressed. I've never seen this stadium this full before. The money we made this week from revenues keeps rising," whispered Mr. Cameron.
"It's a great day of football, the league leaders versus the league underdogs. Will we witness a massacre today or a miracle? I'm your commentator today, Decent Ledwaba, along with Shakes Walker."
"Well, I'm expecting a massacre, Decent. I feel sorry for the young coach making his debut. Skyland FC have been untouchable this season. Nobles, with all their riches, have no chance."
"Never a dull moment in football, that's why we love this game. Ah, look at Coach Jaden Senzo standing at the sidelines as the players from both teams shake hands," said Decent.
"Decent, look at Nobles FC's bench. Isn't that the non-league player they signed? His name is Max Zwide, 18 years of age. I'm looking forward to seeing him play," said Shakes Walker.
The players have taken their positions as the referee whistles for the start of the match
Savio started the match with a long back pass to his goalkeeper. Skyland's attackers pushed higher up as the goalkeeper sent a long pass back to Savio on the left side of the pitch, near the opposition's box.
"Sublime touch as Savio controls the ball and takes on Nobles FC's right wing back, Matlala. Savio dribbles past him, outside, inside, outside, then cuts inside and makes his way to the box. He goes for the curler… will it go in?!" asked Decent.
The stadium holds its breath in the opening minutes as the ball bends toward the far corner.
To be continued…