The Heroes Among Us


Dear Footbattlers,

It will be a day that is remembered for many reasons.  Some will remember it as a friends and family day that was endearing.  Some will remember it as patriots who proudly represented their countries to the best of their abilities.  And some will remember it as simply a great day of football.  Personally, I really enjoyed especially three parts of the day:

Part 1:  Firstly, I really liked the friendly morning atmosphere when all of the captains and players were arriving relaxed and happy.  Then I observed that our heroes were among us.  And they were sacrificing to do so.  Jules Onana brought his Cameroonians fortified by his son, Patty and the French high schoolers.  And Jules was strapping on the goalkeeper kit.  A World Cup veteran who kept his promise and made sure that he had his defending championship country represented again.  Then there was Fandi Ahmad rushing from morning training at Pelita Jaya trying to get to ISCI before the Singapore National Team kicked off it's first match (he was late... they lost 5-0).  Eladio Rojas manning his Ecua-Chileans with merely 6 men (no subs) in an attempt to try and go all the way to the final using expert skill, pin-point passing, and energy conservation.    Rochi Putiray flying in on the morning of to make it just in time to assist Indonesia.  And Tommy Ambon perhaps the finest 6-a-side player ever to play in Indonesia.

 

JULES ONANA		FANDI AHMAD		ROCHI PUTIRAY
ELADIO ROJAS			TOMMY AMBON

Part 2:  Good football.  A generally high standard played in a normally sportsman-like nature almost in all cases (excepting a few minor scuffles where the actual participants should be embarrassed for their conduct).  But personally, I was pleased with Team USA and the standard that we were able to sustain all the way until the final where we were defeated by an all around stronger man-for-man side in the Indonesians.  I was pleased with the tournament standard and America's level of play.  And then, in the final, I had this amazing feeling of simultaneously feeling proud of both nations.  Deep inside my wife is very proud that Indonesia defeated the USA yet ironically disappointed for the USA's defeat as well.   I feel exactly the same but from the other direction.  It is a funny feeling and I am quite pleased to be experiencing it.  I am especially happy that the local boys from our league like Tommy (Wanderers), Arifin (Lions), Rudy (DOIT), Fariz (BuGils) & Marvin (Vikings) share a world championship in the 6'ers.

Part 3:  Our other heroes who rarely get the same adoration but nevertheless deserve credit for their contributions:  Greg Long, without whom nothing is possible but join him and all is possible,  Marvin Suwarso, the nearly crowned championship player/manager of Indonesia, The Canadian Ambassador, John Holmes, for outstanding behavior befitting a gentleman and true sportsman alike, and, Max Belli, just because he is my angel who helps me even when I am unaware of it simply because he loves football so much and he just simply wants harmony amongst us.

These were my favorite memories from the day.  I am sure that you have your own.

See you live on the pitches....,

-Your Hero