The Greatest of All Time

Chapter 39 - The System Shop

Nightfall came with a whisper of perfect black that grew into a soothing chorus of stars.

Zachary and his three flatmates rode their bikes back to Moholt. Coach Johansen had dismissed them right after the match—only after a brief address. The boys were in a somber mood as they mulled over the parting words of the academy coach.

"Do you think the coach will go ahead and still cut out some players despite our victory over the Rosenborg reserve team last Friday?" Kasongo asked, reducing his speed and matching pace with Zachary.

"I highly doubt that," Zachary replied, matter-of-factly. "The coaches need players for the Riga Cup at the beginning of February. Our team only has sixteen players remaining. Cutting more players before the new year would cripple the team."

Paul Otterson half-smiled. "You say that because you were not here two years back. Coach Johansen cut loose more than ten under-17 players from the academy. He has no obligation to train a full team of players until they join the under-19 teams."

"Aahh!" Kasongo shouted in frustration. "The suspense of not knowing is killing me. Will I be cut from the team or not? Why didn't the coach announce the results today? That's all I can think about."

"I think Zachary has a point," Kendrick Otterson cut in. "We need a team for Riga. Factoring in our performance over the two matches, we're not in any danger."

The four boys fell into line as they rounded a corner and rode their bikes past Bunnpris Supermarket, heading into the narrow path leading to their flat. It was a Friday evening. University students from N.T.N.U were all over the place, probably attending one of their weekend parties. They all held little beers in their hands and swayed to the loud music blaring out of a tiny basement underneath one of the apartments.

"When will I join campus and start enjoying such parties?" Paul Otterson sighed as the group of four rode their bikes past the rowdy students.

"Instead of thinking about how to improve your ball handling, you're daydreaming about basement parties." Kendrick scowled at his brother. "I'll support the coach's decision if he cuts you from the team tomorrow." He harrumphed.

"We need to put more effort into our training." Kasongo sighed. "The match with the Rosenborg senior team was a wake-up call."

"Only Zachary could hold his own somewhat against them," Paul chipped in, shaking his head. "But I was relieved when we conceded only three goals. Before the match began, I was afraid we would concede more than six."

Paul reduced his speed and fell beside Zachary, who was riding at the back. "Zach! Why don't we start joining you on your physical training exercises?" He inquired—grinning.

Zachary gave his flatmate a soft smile. "You're welcome to join. But be warned, I won't babysit you. I'll be moving out at six tomorrow morning for outdoor running. I'll also pass by the training ground and do some cone agility drills before breakfast." He said, his tone solemn.

He had realized that his Swedish flatmates were talented but often fell out of their training routine. That seemed to be the reason why they had remained obscure in his previous life. Zachary was eager to motivate them and see them develop their careers further. There was a chance he could cause one of those butterfly effects, changing the soccer history trajectory in his new life.

"I'll also join in," The three others answered more or less in unison. Zachary nodded. He could sense a silent resolve in their tone. It seemed like his teammates were starting to take their training more seriously. He was glad as he didn't want to see them turn into failures at a sport they loved as he had in his previous life.