Page 11 - The Regent Digest Volume 13 Issue 19

Being the only Year 7
among older players was
challenging, but I kept
focused and determined.
Every pass, run, and inter-
ception felt like a chance
to prove myself.
- Ayotomiwa Sotinrin
Year 7 Senegal
Aliyu Zannah (Volta House Captain) On His Experi-
ence During Inter-House Football Competition
he football competition was an in-
It’s a fitting way to tense and unforgettable journey,
end my last football T especially since I had the honour of
competition. captaining my team. Volta House entered as
the underdogs, with everyone doubting our
- Imam Suleiman chances. Despite the odds, we were fired up,
Year 11 Benue
determined to prove them wrong and leave
our mark.
Our first game was against last year’s cham-
pions, Congo—a team everyone expected to
dominate us. The atmosphere was electric;
we knew we had to give it our all. We fought
hard, matching their energy and pressing for
every ball. But in the end, they edged past
us with a narrow 1-0 victory. It was a tough
pill to swallow, but we held our heads high,
knowing we had pushed them to their limits.
THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL 10 10 THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
It went down to
penalties, and in
a dramatic twist, I
the goalkeeper due
had to step up as
to tactical reasons.
Next came the third-place match against
Benue. The stakes were high, and the game
was a nail-biter from start to finish. It went
down to penalties, and in a dramatic twist, I
had to step up as the goalkeeper due to tac-
tical reasons. The weight of the moment was
immense. I could feel the eyes of my team-
mates and the crowd on me, every breath
heavy with anticipation.
The shootout was nerve-wracking. I man-
aged to save two penalties, each one send-
ing a roar through my teammates. But de-
spite my efforts, it wasn’t enough. We lost the
match which was not a cheering experience
at all. For us Year 11 players, this was our fi-
nal chance to shine, and we were devastated,
because we came last.
Yet, as much as the loss was painful, we
learned that in football—and life—there will
always be winners and losers. What matters
most is the fight, the spirit, and the experienc-
es gathered.
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