SOCCER WITH MY LADIES

 

Being a soccer fan is both a privilege & a burden. When you’re winning, it’s the best thing on earth, and when you’re not, it’s the end of the world. The thing about being a fan is, whichever way fortune swings, you’re stuck with the game and your team for life. We fans have come to accept the great hold “the beautiful game” has on us. Even much more captivating is the fact that watching soccer in the midst of an ever-bubbly crowd (soccer fans) is in itself heavenly and the feeling is just but orgasmic.

The day is Sunday, 14th March, 2021 and I am joined by my friends; Cindy Valma & Perizilah Grande for a soccer match afternoon. It's the North London Derby (Arsenal vs Tottenham) no doubt and you can just imagine the adrenaline rush! The high spirited and vivacious ladies are enthusiastic about the match more than I am, simply because back in my mind, I had this feeling that the match was gonna be tough. 

Soccer is the most popular spectator sport on the planet, and for much of the world, the experience of being a fan is a tradition that has been passed down through the generations. We can trace the lineage of fandom through Latin America & Europe, and back to Britain, where it all began, 150 or so years ago. There, our soccer-supporting ancestors discovered & embraced the emerging game, developed affinities for individual clubs, began to chant and sing, and helped initiate the fan culture that exists today. But the roots of fandom were established long before the association game was invented and long before football was known as “soccer”.

My friends and I were having a leisurely Sunday afternoon with so much chit-chat & laughter when all of a sudden, the match kick off whistle was blown by the match referee and it now turned to be a serious affair for me most especially. Just because these ladies are usually in heels and pencil skirts & dresses most of the times, didn't mean they couldn't cut me down that Sunday, it was unfortunate that I let their boobs fool me. They talked just as much shit as the boys would but luckily enough Cindy was on my side being a suicidal Arsenal fan as well. Apparently, Perizilah isn't a soccer fan as such and you could easily tell from the uneasiness on her face. She was just fidgeting as the match proceeded for halftime break on a goal-goal draw while she continued sipping her favorite & chilled drink from the tumbler that she held so dearly. During the break, I came to the realization of the fact that a girl who loves football is passionate, loyal, intense, and most definitely entertaining. It was a really entertaining first half of the match as Cindy analyzed the match as it carried on. She would go "off topic" on most occasions and allude, "Gosh, that guy is handsome! And I would pretend not to hear any of that "crap". 

As the 2nd half of the match kicked off, you could easily tell that ladies love winning. They say winning isn’t everything but with football winning is everything and as Arsenal scored the winning goal, even Perizilah who wasn't really interested in the match and just enjoyed her drink, joined Cindy and I in the wildest manner to celebrate the goal (penalty) well scored by Arsenal's forward; Alexandre Lacazette. What would you expect of me sinking in fanatical exuberance?? Waitress more & more drinks!! 

If you’ve never been to a football match in the company of ladies, you’re definitely missing out on an unforgettable experience. Getting to do the ‘wave’ (no matter how few you are) or chanting mantras of encouragement alongside equally enthusiastic crowds always gives me chills down my spine: the spirit is undeniable!

Cheers to the friendship ladies!!