Yesterday marked the first time in over a year that my skills as a goalkeeper was required for Park View FC in the FA Middlesex Premier Cup against Bedfont and Feltham FC of the Combined Counties Football League D1, and I was highly motivated by the prospect of performing the art I duly love. Before I get into the narrative, it is imperative that certain events and factors require special mention because of its importance on the subject matter.

The Chairman/Manger Eric Fraikue had to take a mandatory leave to Ghana for the funeral ceremony of his beloved mother, who sadly passed away. Our last team talk was on the 14th of November and he relinquished the coaching duties to head coach Clem Anslem and myself, and although we knew we would miss his uncompromising approach to football matters, we knew we could carry on the responsibility of keeping up the discipline and ethical standards of the club. On Saturday the 17th, the league game against Winslow United was called off due to damaged unplayable pitch (heavy rain). Then came the cup game day, which didn’t start off too well because of the adverse weather conditions – close to freezing temperatures and rain. Then I got the call that non of our goalkeepers will be available due to personal reasons which are unrelated to football matters. Although I had been actively training with the goalkeepers, I had to incorporate and supplement my personal fitness levels by going to the gym, in preparation for situations like this. My major concern was my goalkeeping equipment mainly my worn Reusch gloves (hardly any grip) and I had my only pair of Puma moulded studded boots! not recommended at all on wet grassed pitches but having always expected these anomalies to happen, I duly took the responsibility of playing knowing that I hadn’t played competitively for over a year ( that was just a game and I got injured! ) and prior to that game, I was on retirement for over 7 years! So one would imagine if I was actually capable enough to complete on this level with basically 90 mins of goalkeeping playing time in 8 years!!! Despite the seemingly impossible odds I was facing as a 44 years old, I was actually confident that I would have a good and satisfactory game.

After negotiating the rush hour traffic of London ( 7.45pm kick off time ), we finally got to our destination The Orchard Bedfont, Hatton Cross with Heathrow Airport as neighbours. We barely got on the training/warm up pitch, did the necessary warm ups and it was time for the cup game to start. We started off well and got rewarded with an early goal, but the opposition quickly found form and got an equaliser from a high cross. I’ve gone to claim the high cross but my timing for the call was a bit 2 seconds or so late, as my left back Fred Danso had gone for the ball as well. We clattered into each other and the ball bubbled off my grip and fell kindly to the opposition striker, who duly tucked the ball in for the equaliser. 10 mins later we gave away a penalty and they scored from the resulting spot kick, 2 – 1. About 10 mins later we got an equaliser from a resulting free-kick that bounced off the crossbar and our striker was first to respond to the rebound and tucked it away, with the goalkeeper rooted and flat footed. And so it remained 2 – 2 till half time. Second half was a struggle for both sides as chances were either wasted or the goalkeepers we busy making saves (I was the busier goalkeeper!) under the adverse weather conditions it must be emphasized. I couldn’t risk taking the drop goal kicks because of my moulded studs so my centre back Ibrahim Nuhu took the duties. It must be noted that throughout the game, the most annoying and distracting periods was the time the Aeroplanes taking off almost every 2 minutes from the runway which was probably a mile away from the stadium. The noise was deafening as they where as low as about 500 feet almost above our heads! I was finding it difficult to communicate with my teammates especially the defensive line, but we managed the game to the end and it ended in the lottery of penalties.

I knew deep down in my heart that I wasn’t going to be the victor in this particular shootout, mainly because I was concerned about my footwear. I couldn’t get maximum grip to ground to generate and execute the explosive dive required to save at least a penalty (or 2 because I am that capable and confident ..💪💪💪). And so it happened, as the first three penalties flew in, and although I guessed right on the first 3, I lacked the explosiveness as predicted ( the second penalty was hit to my right with added elevation but I pushed it into the inside netting of the goal 😤😤😤 ). We ended losing 5 – 3. All their penalties where properly executed.

I felt disappointed after the game not having to save a penalty but major credit to my teammates and the coaching staff for the heart warming words of encouragement, and in reality I couldn’t do any more that I could give considering the situation and conditions. I guess I’ve still got that competitive edge about me and the high standards I practice and apply, even though I’m meant to be retired! After reviewing and reflecting on the game yesterday, I deserve to give myself a huge pat on the back for my efforts. It’s not really about me, it’s what I’m giving out that truly matters…

You Are The Ultimate Keeper Of Your Destiny… ULTIMATE KEEPER