Looking for a light

Chapter 5 - Final Whistle

Just as the TJ defender kicked the ball for a goal kick, and Shi Ling controlled it, the final whistle went. I could not believe it. All I could say to myself was that we did it. I thought I would be overcome with emotion but I was not, just very very happy, smiling from ear to ear. I hugged JR for like the 3rd time in the match, and Miss Tan reached out her hand to grab, aiyah heck I just hugged her as well, hope her boyfriend does not mind. Mini was in the stands and I pointed to him, our "you did it, you're the man" sign. The crowd went wild, even if it were about a 100 odd people at most, but the chants of "we are the champions" echoed loud and clear in Jalan Besar.

And the girls? Well they were all tearing and stuff,perhaps overcome with relief more than anything else, that they had managed to reach their aim this year, that the comeback was finally complete. A lot of hugging and all, and they immediately went to shake the hands of the opponents, I remember after winning in 2002, it took us a good 15-20 mins before we even remembered to shake hands with our opponents. I rushed to get a school flag to them, and soon enough we sang the college anthem. Hand in hand with my coaching team we sang, proud of our little sisters who had done so well. I had imagined this image for so long, part of me could not believe it was happening.

I was then asked to lead the team in a lap of honour, which I reluctantly did, after some pleading with Vivian, I did not want to take any of the limelight away from the team, but oh well what the heck just run lar, how often can one do it anyway right? We took a team photo, and then out of nowhere Vivian attempted to Tau Pok me, which failed, mainly because of my low centre of gravity (finally! some use for it). Then she tried again, and this time I fell hard and the girls just piled on top of me.

Alright the thing about this Tau Pok thing is that its really dangerous if you don't know the limits. Within 5 seconds there were like 5 or 6 bodies on me, and I was gasping to breathe, so I kept shouting, "Give up give up! Get off! Get OFF!!". But the girls did not hear me I think, so it took a while to register before they finally got off, my calf was rather painful and I actually got astro-burned on the way down from the tackle. These girls really need a new way to show their appreciation for their coach.

Then it was the prize presentation, SAJC grabbed two awards, top scorer for Ceest (well deserved) and MVP for Joann (also well deserved). No denying this and no point trying to argue that we deserved these awards anyway cos the SA girls do deserve something for their efforts and their dedication, being the standard-bearers for the past 2 years, and I do believe for years to come. But well, ultimately the team got the one important award of the day, which was the championship medal. I tell you, Salome really has no idea how to celebrate the cup. Even Ho Peng Kee had to tell her to lift it and show it to the fans when she got it, but she did not hear him. Sigh, I thought that was quite disappointing cos' she was telling us to wait when the whole coaching team was practically begging her to lift the cup. But never mind, that was her way, point to note, if this ever happens again, I better tell the captain the thing to do. The girls gathered for a picture of them holding the cup, which was published on Lianhe Zaobao, and I was interviewed with some comments on the team.

As the crowd streamed out, it was time to head back to school, and I as I walked out of the dressing room, a million thoughts flew past me and I said "Goodbye room, hope to see you again next year". I know it sounds kinda spastic now, but I thought it was apt for the moment.

We got up the bus, and the journey back home started. And for the first time ever, the journey back home with the cup.

Chapter 6 - Final Reflections (stay tuned)

Out.

posted by Me @ 12:36 AM