It’s all about the game

Since a couple of days I noticed a change of atmosphere in camp. With no guest in either Serian and Ngare it almost felt like a certain tension was building up in the air.

Some of the staff didn’t have their usual smiley faces, they seemed to be more focused and concentrated.

Way in the back behind the workshop I could hear the occasional whistle going of, and lots of yelling going on.

I soon found out that there was a good reason for all this action. The Mara Football season was soon to begin.

The playing field just along the Mara River was prepared for the opening match, goal posts were double checked. From the camp a bag of white ashes (or was it flour?) was brought down to help draw the lines.

Changing rooms? A big tree and a small bush will do just fine…

The wildlife didn’t seem to mind either and respected a safe distance. I think I even heard some hippos cheering in the back, vervet monkeys supporting from the trees and giraffes sticking out their neck for the best view.

After a bright start, the Serian team didn’t progress as well as hoped… quickly a few position changes were made and things changed for the positive.

Michael, head of the mess, made some great moves and got through the defence of Mara Timbo Camp more than once, ….

Their players didn’t seem to be intimidated by those moves, nor by the screaming from the Side lines (… some female staff got a bit too much into the game).

Osono, our little, tough, star player from Serian, a great future ahead of him, had a fabulous tactic game. Assisted by Murule in the back, they seemed to rule over the field.

Second half of the game, everything changed, pressure came on, decisions were made, …

Now it was all eyes on Josheah , head of rooms, in camp he does a great job in keeping the tents  tidy and clean, now it was his job to keep the ball out of the goal… he will need some extra training in the last job mentioned  J

There was a crushing 0-3 victory for the visiting team of Mara Timbo Camp.

So we lost our first game, but I am still proud of my favourite Serian team.

Michael, Josheah, Osono, Onyango, Murule, Kuka, Daniel, Mutemi, Peter, Killion…. for me you are all star players already and the way to the Mara finals is still open!

Go Serian! GO, GO !

Kristel Ottoy

Jan 2011