The Story of No. 17

I was in a dilemma. To go or not to go, that’s the question. In the end, my heart overruled my head. I made my way to the stadium. I wasn’t even sure if he will appear.

He did, just when I was about to make my way home. His love for football surpassed all else. After a short greeting, he swept past me and made his way to the “dugout”. The match has started. He went straight to the captain-manager, and they talked about the players, formation and strategies. He couldn’t wait to get onto the pitch.

Mid-way through the first half, a player requested a substitution. It was his favourite position – right midfield. In record time, he put on his gear and was ready for action. There wasn’t even time for him to warm-up.

Promising to score, he went all out. This could be his day for a goal or two. But play that took place down the right flank was rare. Patiently he waited. The opening finally arrived. He took his chance, but it went over. He has no time to bring the ball down for his stronger right foot. There was a man coming down on him. Not long after, the half-time whistle sounded. They were down by a goal.

Quickly gathering his team-mates for the half-time prep talk, the team reorganised and switched formation. He was to play in centre. Talking animatedly as he paced impatiently for the second-half to start, he reasoned that the opponent keeper wasn’t that great. He would have to try. He has told his captain that he would score. Strict instructions were given – to feed him down the middle.

As they strolled back into the pitch, he commented that he missed by a whisker in the first-half, but his friend felt otherwise. Another told him that he can’t leave until he scored. With confidence riding high, he was determined to level things up.

Soon, he was making his presence felt. Chaotic defending by the opponents nearly led to their equaliser. The goalkeeper just had to thank his lucky stars. But lady luck wasn’t on his side minutes later. He saw his opening and took a chance at goal. Everything turned into slow motion as he let fly his strike. Only one thought was on his mind – don’t let the keeper reach the ball in time. The keeper landed on the ground, but the ball was safely in the back of the net. His scoring touch was back.

He has delivered, and it’s time for some others to make their appearance. He came out of the pitch, grinning from ear to ear. With perspiration dripping all over, he came over and said, “I told you I would score! I could feel it!” It was time for him to gloat. Can he go for trials now? Of course he can! I would personally bring him.

This is the story of No. 17. No words can describe his passion and level of enthusiasm to play football.

My one-half of Live football

I wasn't prepared to sit in the hot seat. The opportunity came as a total surprise. Given that it was the last "Live" game of the season, I knew I had to grab the chance. It was now or never as next season might not come. As I went through my duties for the past three seasons, it felt more and more like a "hand-over" ceremony tonight.

Though I know it will be easier to do first-half, I have to be fair to the person taking over my duties. She too, wasn't quite ready. But she did well for the first time. With the whistle of the second-half, it felt that the production team has turned into an all-girl team. Would it be like that for the next season? I can only pray.

The seconds ticked by, but at the other end of the panel, the minutes seemed to fly by. It was difficult to look at so many monitors at the same time. I began to feel the stress. Stomach cramps set in. I didn't even sit properly on the chair.

There were periods of dry spell that I didn't know what to do. My throat clammed up. I couldn’t speak. My attention was on what I used to do. My mentor stepped in. He told me my focus is now on the monitors, and not the graphics. I need to concentrate on giving directions now. Taking in a deep breathe, I started to ignore what’s going on at the other end. It was difficult, but it was something that I had to do – to let go.

Slowly but surely, my confidence returned. I began to make myself heard on the panel. I have to express my heart-felt gratitude to Cam 4. He gave me confidence to direct – ah gong style. It’s going to take some time before I reach that level.

I came out of the van with both of my legs weak. I could hardly walk. I had to drag myself to the toilet. There was a mini-party going on. Just to celebrate the last “live” game of the season. I went into the stadium to do my “lap of honour”. One of the crew said, “Anything for me”. I was touched. I know I will miss this very much when it’s finally over. If I don’t get to do it next season, I’m really going to miss the crew. We have been through a lot during these three seasons.

Advice from mentor: “Listen to commentary and think ahead of the commentators, then you can direct the cameras to the players, coaches, subs or even crowd. Always have backup plan when it comes to dull periods of the game. Get EVS to standby to playback the goal, the tries or even controversial decisions.”

Comments from mentor: “Overall good attempt. Just don’t use Cam 1 and 4 during match, very jarring.”

Thank you teacher, for all the advice and teachings, and for giving me a taste of my one-half live football.

A match worth waiting for

It has been a long time since “the official media” turned up at the cage. With hear-says that “you must come and see, my stamina improved!” and “I scored at least five, six goals at every outing!” With so much hype going on, it was time for an outing for “the official media”.

My photographer and I waited, counting the hours and the minutes till the KO time. Maybe not so much her, but I really counted. It was, for me, a highly anticipated game.

A sense of conspiracy crept into the air as players arrived, donned in red. There were players who I will be watching for the first time, while others are determined to show that they have improved, in their skills and stamina.

The “whistle” was blown and the match kicked off to a frantic pace. Fifteen minutes into the game, Star Idol scored! It was what I believed to be the opening goal. With the keeper at the near side coming off his line time and time again, I guess the goal deficit must have been pretty bad. True enough, I heard “three-nil! Play for draw!”. Down, but not out, U.N.C.L.E. was determined to crawl back into the game.

With 24 minutes gone, someone conjured up a goal and brought the score to 3-1. Someone even used his beer belly to trap the ball! It wasn’t long before the score was levelled on score at 3-3. But the joy was short-lived. It didn’t take long for the “Tey” team to once again, increased their lead. There was a hat-trick of wasted chances, on the happier note, there was a hat-trick for another, 45 minutes into the game. The We team leads, for the first time in the game at 8-7, and were playing for a win.

The “We” team pulled out every tricks they have in their hats. But they couldn’t beat the brilliance of a gem keeper – definitely my Man-of-the-Match. With ten minutes remaining, I found myself losing track of the score. I have to admit. Skills have been sharpened since the last time the official media turned up. Passing rates increased, timing of tackles gained accuracy and stamina improved (Specifically to U.N.C.L.E.). A good keeper has been unearthed, while a striker has developed his flair for defending as well. There were desserts for the media team as well – we caught two half-naked players as we drove away from The Cage – you know who you are! (Just something extra for Senior and Junior, *WINK WINK*)

The “tai-tais” have sales worth waiting for. But to me, this has been a match, worth waiting for.

Sr. & Jr.
The Official Media Group