So on Saturday I played my first and last career match of Tanzinian soccer. Due to league regulations I was only able to play in the second half since I was not a sanctioned player. I think it would have been to the other team’s advantage to waive the rule and let me play the whole game. We won 3-1 which is what truly matters and I had a blast. I had a goal within the first 5 minutes I was in the game, but the goal was called off due to a bogus offsides call. Our pastor Henry retold the story of me having a goal to everyone he saw on saturday conveniantly failing to mention that the goal did not count. The 40 minutes I was playing was surreal and an incredible experience, one of the most fun times I’ve had on the race. The fans were chanting Wayne Rooney as I came into the game, and were yelling at the coach for not putting me in the first half because they did not know I was not allowed to play. The crowd went crazy when I scored and booed when the linesman put up his flag for offsides.
Here’s a picture of us before the game, can you spot the Mzungu?
One quick confession I must make. I was misinformed last week about the team Rukwa United, and I in turn misinformed you all. A fan of Rukwa told me the team was in the Tanzinian Premier League, the best league in Tanzinia and my last blog title was Tanzinian Premier League. However, after talking to one of the players, I found out Rukwa United is in Division 3, although one of the best of its division, of the Tanzinian League. This news disappointed me because I came to find out I was not playing with the best players in the country, but it gave me more hope for Tanzinian soccer as it worried me when I thought I could keep up with the best players in the country. So good news for Tanzinian soccer, bad news for my pride and athletic ability.
Here’s a picture of me in action, sorry I couldn’t figure out how to zoom the picture.
So I have 2 more practices to participate in, and we are leaving on Wednesday so I will not be able to play in the match on Wednesday. I feel a little bit like Moonlight Graham from Field of Dreams, only got a chance to play in one game, but it was certainly worth it. Please be praying for me as on Monday or Tuesday I plan on sharing my testimony with the guys on the team, so please pray that I will get this opportunity and the team will be open to listening. Quick note, I don’t have Typhoid Fever, but 4 of my teammates do, please be praying they will be healed, and be praying I don’t catch it from them.
