I am a simple man: simple food, simple dressing, simple car, simple décor… simple fun. Maybe I was born that way, or maybe I just happened to grow up in an environment that enabled it. Well, back in the early eighties, growing up under a below-average parents, everything we had then was basically basic. Breakfast and dinner, public education, inherited clothing…. you get the picture! We were jealous of the few rich or at least the average family in the neighbourhood. But there was definitely something they would wish to trade place with us any day: Games and Sports.
We borrowed some, invented some; but enjoyed all. ‘Whot’, Ludo, ‘koso’, Scrabble, Chess… need I go on! Don’t get me started with the sports: ‘Siwe’, ‘Gamebox’, Skipping, Track Racing, ‘Rolling Tire’, ‘Centerly’, ‘Mokey-post’….and the very ageless one that inspires this article: Street Football.
We didn’t have to buy any of it, not necessarily because we couldn’t afford to. It was cheap, simple and readily available. Even if you don’t have it, your neighbours do. Even if you don’t want to get involved, you can’t resist the urge when it gets going. I guarantee, it was that much fun!
What I am trying to say is: I do not miss an opportunity to have a good time with people. It has been hard-wired in me since childhood. This is why I curse the pandemic; I lament the lock-down. I can’t go to work every day (won’t say that is the saddest news though). Of course, I can still work from home, but dread the accumulation of files waiting on my desk when I resume. But still, no more outing, no more fun.
I am wasting too much time and data on Facebook, YouTube and whatever addictive social media platform that is out there, and sadly, I can’t help myself. I have tried editing my books but seems to be losing touch. I no doubt enjoy the closeness with my family, but everybody needs a break sometimes, right? The fact that the world is not even sure of how to resolve the present crisis afflicting the heart, soul and mind of everyone, is more alarming. Although, I have a secret confession: I took up playing football again.
Don’t worry, I am a law-abiding citizen; I still maintain social distancing. I mean, I don’t go out in the street like I did when I was twelve. I just happen to live in a compound with large space, locked down with enough people to play three-on-three with, if you know what I mean. Lool.
I’ll just pick a day to demonstrate. Thursday, April 16th, 2020. I had done my morning bible reading, go through the mails, reacted to the needed and settled down to enjoy the remaining of the three hours electric power supply rationed to us from 7am to 10am. We all listened to the hourly news and watched programs. I, however, was not going to waste another ten litres of fuel for the afternoon; so, me, my wife and son indulged in the play, eat, sleep, wake up and play again strategy until the evening power supply. While embarking on the evening chores, my wife in the kitchen and me trying to handle the little guy, I started hearing the sound of football being kicked outside by my landlord’s children and the gateman. Back in those days, it always was an irresistible call. It was exactly the same that evening. I couldn’t help the nostalgia. “Babe, this boy needs your attention”, I immediately called out with a different intention. Fortunately, he really did. I snuck out to join the local sporting team outside, hoping to be forgiven by the non-sporting one inside. Some risks are worth taking!
Mehn! I really wouldn’t have forgiven myself if I didn’t, as that evening brought out a thousand of the sweet memories of yesteryears. And there was even more.
Have you ever played football on the street and suddenly it starts raining? You will definitely understand the meaning of the word: “shower of blessing.” In summary, it was simple, it was cheap, it was uniting, it was healthy, it was refreshing, and most importantly, it was fun; evident from the fact that my wife came out of the kitchen and start covering the show with her cellphone.
Yes, you are locked down, you are scared, you are choked, you are even broken. All you just have to do is that simple fun that never failed you throughout the years.
