Group 1 -day 5

Given that it was the last day of coaching, we were all anticipating an emotional one – the prospect of picking a ten man team and leaving the rest behind had been playing on our minds since arriving here in Kitwe. Despite knowing this, the attitude amongst the kids was as positive as always and carried us through what we knew would be a difficult day. We were both in charge of the afternoon school – Riverain – or the ‘River Rangers’ as we like to call the team, and so this made our morning rather awkward as we entertained the 50 who were ‘unlikely’ to get a place on Friday’s team. It was in the afternoon, however, that our work became more serious. Having to choose our final 10 for ourselves, we took a back seat on the coaching and began to scout players who had really got the hang of it in the last few days; and difficult though it was, we finally made a decision. All this left for us to do was announce the lucky 10, with the mighty 3 foot 1 Steven and the not much bigger Bongani (pronounced Wongani) making the cut. With this done, and a few tears and frustration out the way, we were able to enjoy our evening in anticipation of what was to come the following day!

L. Cicale and S.d.R (aka power couple)