Week 10 - Last full week in Manica

For our last full week in Mozambique, James, Armando and I have been busy keeping up the good work. I can’t believe this is already the end. In about two weeks, I will be back home, in France. I’m not realizing yet how amazing this experience is.

Giving out Arsenal kits to the workers

On Monday, after giving away our kits to the first team players, we kept giving away kits to the Futeco workers as well as the clubhouse workers. They were the first people we thought, immediately. There are no people here that deserve more presents from us than them. They work so hard every day. They made our stay so much easier and enjoyable. I could not thank them enough for what they did those 3 days. Giving them those kits was the least we could do.

GDM SCORED !

After 5 games without a goal, GDM finally found the opportunity to score. But first of all, the team warmed-up in their new Arsenal kits. Scenes. Unfortunately they couldn’t play with them. In the first half, GDM looked very dangerous and should of scored at least one goal. But the problem is the lack of efficiency in the last third. As soon as the ball gets to that part of the pitch, the players lose their clarity and try the hardest thing in the world, every single time. But finally, in the second half, after a great effort from our star striker Datia, the keeper slide tackled him in the box. Penalty and 1-0 to GDM. Until then, GDM looked like they could score every time they were approaching the goal. After the goal, GDM sat down and conceded a late goal. Another very encouraging draw before the beginning of the season.

Saturday night at Chicanha’s

After the game, we told the players to meet us back at the clubhouse to have a night out with them before we leave. With a couple of Manica’s, the amazing local beer, we went to the closest bar called Chicanha’s. We had the chance to listen and dance to Mozambican rap and spend some time with the players outside football. Funny times.

Kids tournament at Futeco

On Sunday, we ran a new tournament for kids but this time on the 5-a-side FIFA pitch. Before the games, the local coaches made the kids talk about football through things like respect, fair-play and friendship.

At the end of the tournament, Armando’s amazing haircut got new fans. Some girls from one of the teams decided to get Armando out of his small nap to mess with his hairs. After about 5 minutes of resistance, Armando finally let them play with his hairs.

Pool competition between Gappers

The past few weeks, James, Armando and I started a pool competition between us. James is leading against both of us and I’m leading against Armando. At the beginning of this week, James was winning 14-7 against me. I made the comeback to 15-15 three days later and now every single game is tight. James is now winning 24-20 but by the end of the week, I’m going to win that competition.

Arsenal in The Community twitter

In the middle of the week, James and I made an appearance on the Arsenal in The Community twitter account to promote the programme and let people know they could apply anytime. The picture they chose was from our journey to the Vumba Mountain. What a day that was.

#Mozambique