I have not written about soccer in a long while perhaps it is because I have not been to any games in a long time. Today, I knew a game would be played, I just did not know it would be Uncles FC, my club. I think I have spent a bit too long in my office and at home that I have lost a bit of touch with the real world. And today, I also did something I have always wanted to do, take my daughter with me to the game. She is turning 2 this October but it would have been a great learning experience for her anyway.
Argh! Football, soccer what is the difference? Well the Americans call it soccer because football is actually NFL, the Grid Iron, the national pastime of Americans, the Super Bowl, the greatest show on earth. The Brits call it football, the beautiful game – it is an age old debate and some of us use the two interchangeably but confuse the Brits and the Americans. I prefer soccer but that title will stay as it is.
Today’s game was always expected to be a walkover for Uncles FC and they had a leisurely stroll in the park with a 5 nil drubbing of K1 United. To their credit K1 United never relented until the final whistle. But one other thing stood out for me; Hardis Aengari and Gibson Daudau. Both these young players have returned from New Zealand. According to Uncles FC President, Dr. Kenton Sade, Nelson Suburbs and Uncles FC have an agreement to exchange players and technical expertise. Uncles FC would benefit from technical expertise provided by Nelson Suburbs in the form of visiting coaches and managers while Uncles FC is obligated to send a senior and junior player every year to play with Nelson Suburbs.
Nelson Suburbs has a long and proud history with Solomon Islands football. Batram Suri was the first to go and ply his trade there and many others followed. Uncles FC secured its deal in 2007 and since then it has had the opportunity to send players. Perennial Uncles FC striker Kidston Billy, Joses Nawo and Fraser Maebule have benefited since the agreement was put in place. Gibson Daudau and Hardis Aengari left earlier this year.
They have since returned and the difference is markedly different. There is an aura of confidence and tenacity that had been missing although the skills have always been there.
I honestly felt that there was a different feel to how returning Uncles stars Gibson Daudau and Hardis Aengari played the game today. Firstly, the hair – instead of the usual unkempt Afro, I saw well kept hair styles that reminded me that some people do actually take time to groom the hair.
But the football was great, the skills have remained largely unchanged, it is the confidence, that tact with which these players now approach the game that makes me confident for the future. Football development may have hit the snail pace but if Solomon Islanders continue to expose themselves outside of Lawson Tama, more so Honiara, football will improve.
I suppose Hardis and Gibson underwent training regimes that were structured with specific outcomes planned in advance. And in going through that experience they have matured and attained confidence that was lacking when they first left the country. Of course they were skilled but now the difference is so obvious it would be stunning if anyone missed it.
Uncles FC is doing the right thing. It is utilizing every opportunity for its younger players to go out from Honiara and experience not only football but lifestyle in a totally different environment. The returning player is always a better product. Now if only SIFF can do that at the national level!