No one talked as they travelled in the bus. Silence had filled the bus to an extent that even a pin drop or a droplet of water could be heard. What they had met was different from their expectations.
Casey was the most affected by the turn of events. His first match as a coach had ended in a goalless draw. The crux of the matter was that the match was against a team in relegation.
His players were also pained by their performance but they dared not voice it out. As they alighted out of the bus, Casey gathered them together and they made a short prayer. After that, he gave them a piece of his mind.
"What the heck happened there? You just made us four points below Dames College. You are making this harder for us". He yelled out in a shriek. He stopped to see if they were getting the message he was passing.
"You all thought you could beat them and now thanks to you, they made it out of relegation. The problem was that you took them with levity and they were smart enough to use it to their own advantage". He halted with an exhale.
"We are sorry, coach". They chorused out.
"No, don't be sorry, you can still make the league title. There are five matches left".
"Our next match is against the team currently in second place and we still have to play Dames College. We are doomed." Levi, the team captain said.
"Who says so? We are going to play those matches and win them. Winners never quit and quitters never win". He paused and gazed at them one by one.
"Are you ready to claim it?"
"Yes". They chorused.
"Let's meet here tomorrow". He said and left. He walked towards the senior team's training ground. He watched from afar and saw that Cody was doing well. However, there was another player on the team that made lots of mistakes and got mocked.
It was soon the end of the training for the day. Cody walked up to him.
"Hi bro, did the junior team win that match?"
"No, it was a draw. We still have hopes of lifting that cup. Well, I can see you are doing well here. Cool reflexes". Casey complemented with a smile.
"Thanks. Even Carl was dazed".
"What's with the guy you were all mocking?"
"That's Oliver. He's the fourth striker but the worst in the team". Cody replied.
"I'm sure that guy will be feeling bad now". Casey said with sincere pity.
"It's the same here. I just couldn't take it but I had no choice". Cody said and looked back.
"I think Mr. Hudson has gotten word about the draw." Cody said, turning back to him.
"What makes you say that?" Casey asked.
"Cos he's behind you". Casey turned back and reflected it was true.
"G… Good afternoon, sir". Casey mumbled. He was afraid of what he would say.
"I heard about the match".
"I'm sorry sir. We couldn't grab a win".
Mr. Hudson chuckled loudly.
"That was the best I've ever seen. Keep it up". Mr. Hudson said and left.
"You felt scared, didn't you?" Cody asked.
"What a relief!" Casey said, exhaling in relief.