CHAPTER 19: FIRST BLOOD IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE
The morning air was heavy with anticipation. The Kibera FC stadium was packed, every seat filled with fans waving green scarves and chanting the team's name. Children perched on walls, vendors shouted prices over the roar, and photographers fought for a glimpse of David Otieno and the new signings.
It was the Premier League debut — the day every player had dreamed of. And for Kibera FC, it was also a test of unity, strength, and courage.
Across the field stood Tusker FC, a seasoned team with championship ambitions. Their captain, a tall, aggressive midfielder named Mark Odhiambo, had already earned a reputation for intimidation on the pitch. Tusker's fans jeered, confident that the underdog Kibera FC would crumble.
Kevin clenched his fists. "They think we're weak," he muttered. "Let's show them fire."
David nodded. "Together. One team."
Coach Kamau's final words before kickoff echoed in their minds:
"Respect them. Fear nothing. Fight every minute."
The whistle blew, and the game erupted. Tusker attacked aggressively, pressing high and forcing Kibera FC into their own half. Brian Ouma and Kante held the defense, intercepting passes, blocking shots, and directing their teammates.
But Tusker's pressure was relentless. In the 18th minute, Tusker's winger broke through and scored with a curling shot — 0–1.
The stadium groaned.
In the locker room during halftime, tension crackled like electricity. Sweat dripped, faces flushed with frustration.
David clenched his fists. "We can't panic. We've fought worse. We adjust, we fight, and we come back."
Samba grinned, a spark in his eyes. "Then let's turn this place upside down."
The second half began, and Kibera FC came alive. Kevin sprinted down the wing, weaving past defenders, while Elias Mwenda danced around Tusker's midfield like a magician.
In the 52nd minute, David sent a precise pass to Samba. With a sudden burst of speed, Samba broke through and fired a rocket into the top corner — 1–1!
The crowd erupted. The chants grew louder. Kibera FC was not backing down.
Ten minutes later, a controversial moment: Tusker's Mark Odhiambo slid in hard, tackling Brian from behind. The referee hesitated — no red card, only a yellow. Brian limped, glaring, while Tusker's players mocked him.
Kevin skidded over. "Leave him alone! You'll answer to us!"
The tension flared — almost a brawl — but Coach Kamau shouted from the sidelines, "Focus! Discipline!"
David clapped his hands, refocusing everyone. "Channel that anger into the game. Let's finish this fight."
With fifteen minutes left, Kibera FC pressed forward relentlessly. The ball came to David in midfield. He saw Daniel Obuya making a run toward the box, weaving past defenders with precision.
David delivered a perfect through ball. Daniel controlled it with one touch and smashed it past the keeper — 2–1 Kibera FC!
The stadium went wild. Fans screamed, waved banners, and some cried tears of joy.
Samba jumped into the crowd of players. Kevin and Brian lifted him on their shoulders. Elias smiled broadly, patting the team on the back. Michael Korir ran in a rare smile, proud of the unity they had built.
Kibera FC had done the impossible — they had beaten a top-tier team in their very first Premier League match.
Exhausted, muddy, and bruised, the team gathered in the locker room. Sweat, laughter, and relief filled the air.
Coach Kamau looked around at his boys. "Do you see what happens when you fight together? Talent matters, but heart wins the battle. Remember this moment — because there will be tougher days ahead."
David sat down, still catching his breath. He glanced at Samba, who winked. "We make a good team, don't we?"
Kevin nodded. "Yeah… but don't get too confident. Tusker will be back for revenge."
Brian laughed. "Let them try. We're ready."
Maria Atieno, watching from the stands, cheered the loudest. David smiled at her through the locker room window.
This was just the beginning. Kibera FC had stepped into the Premier League, leaving behind doubts, fears, and criticism. They were no longer the team despised by fans — they were fighters, warriors, a rising force.
After one match, the league standings were simple but telling:
Position Team Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Points
1 Kibera FC 1 |1 |0| 0 |2 |1 |3
2 Mathsre FC 1 |1 |0| 0| 3| 2 |3
3 Nairobi Titans 1 |1 |0| 0 |3| 2 |3
… … … … … … … … …
Kibera FC had arrived, and the Premier League would never be the same.