Chapter 26: Battle of the Basket

The team immediately left Cairo and flew to Joburg. They took a direct flight and landed at OR Tambo international to much fanfare. They signed autographs and took pictures with the many fans who had gathered to visit them, after such, they parted, taking a few days off as the next match was a week away on Sunday. Everyone went to their own places, Taiko and mark stayed together, the three attackers (Zuko, Andile and Mateo were renting a place together). Arthur stayed alone, the three academy boys (Luvuyo, Bradley and Klein stayed with other academy prospects at the boarding academy. Everyone else lived either alone or with their families.

Mark and Taiko's apartment.

Mark sat on the couch, watching TV in a lazy manner, fiddling with the remote. Taiko was in the kitchen, doing something.

"What we eating today?" Mark shouted as Taiko walked out with two bowls of ramen.

"I swear, day by day I think you only gave me a place to crash just so you can have a private chef." Taiko said, giving Mark a bowl and sitting on an adjacent couch, eating.

"Not true, I also needed a driver." Mark said, as he grabbed the bowl, praying somewhat before eating.

"You religious? Taiko said, looking surprised.

"Yeah, Muslim. You do realise that's why I always ask if food is Halal before you even cook right?" Mark responded, looking concerned.

"I do, just thought it was more a diet choice than anything serious." Taiko said, as he continued eating.

"Nah, fully Muslim man right here. You got any religious blood in you?" Mark asked, also eating.

"Nah, no such thing as religion in that place, apparently my parents were Buddhist before they abandoned me, but I never cared." Taiko said, seemingly ending the conversation.

"I see, well, forget religion. Any plans tomorrow? Got a 3 v 3 basketball session against some guys in the park. You should come." Mark said, scrapping the bowl of noodles.

"Sure, will your foot be able to play though?" Taiko said, as they both looked at Mark's bandaged foot that was resting on the table.

"It's fully healed, I'm just wearing the bandages for aesthetics at this point." Mark said, swinging his leg around as both chuckled.

Mateo and Zuko's apartment.

Mateo, Zuko and Andile are all sitting in the balcony, all three staring at their phones like mindless zombies.

"Eyoo, what are we eating tonight." Andile said, still scrolling on his phone.

"Pizza, maybe some Chinese. I don't know. what do you think, Zuko?" Mateo said, not even turning towards the others.

"I'll order some chicken and fries. Andile is paying." Zuko said, seemingly typing something on his phone.

"Why me? Why do I always pay?" Andile angrily protested, facing the other two.

"You are a squatting in our apartment without paying a cent. Thats why." Mateo said, still staring at his phone.

"Should the chicken be mild or extra hot?" Zuko said, as all three started arguing over the flavours.

Strikaland Academy; Johannesburg.

Bradley, Luvuyo and Klein walked into the academy ground as a guard of honour was wating for them. Students and coaches alike standing on either side of the walkway clapping hands for them as if they were heroes.

"Congrats on your debuts kids, making the academy proud once more." One of the coaches said, clapping hands for the trio.

"Making us blush coach. Just did what you taught us." Klein said as they continued walking into the school.

"Oi, you three, don't look down on us since you are super league bigshots now alright?" An academy kid who looked rough and edgy said, eating a lollipop with wavy black and yellow hair and messed up clothes said, sitting on a window whilst everyone was standing.

"Don't worry, we won't look down on you. Vice-captain Neo." Luvuyo said, smiling at the guy.

The next day.

Random basketball Court near Strikaland.

Taiko and Mark walk out of a car wearing shorts and vests with basketball shoes. The walk into the court to find a bunch of other guys playing and greet them.

"Nice court. Thought Basketball wasn't big in South Africa." Taiko said, shooting a ball into the net.

"It isn't, but my American genes gotta kick in somewhere. hehehe." Mark said, as he also shot a ball into the net.

"Nice shot, bros. Let's play." One of the guys in the court said, spinning the ball on his finger before it jumped out towards the gate where it was stopped by someone's foot.

"What do we have here Orlando and Coby. Seems scum also plays basketball." Dooma said, grinning as he picked up the basketball.

"If I didn't know any better I'd think he was following me. He is everywhere I go." Mark said, seemingly ignoring Dooma.

"You guys also wanna play, you gonna have to wait in line cos we about to start a game right now." One of the bystanders said, as Dooma and his cronies walked into the court.

"Move out the way kid, we ain't got all day." Orlando said, pushing the bysander out of the way.

"Orlando is right, we both know we can't stand to be in the same field, so how about we finish up a match, loser leaves." Dooma said, throwing the ball at Mark who caught it with ease.

"Sure, 3v3, first to 20 wins." Taiko said, seemingly irritated.

"Since you replied, Tai, let's do it. hey you, you on our team." Mark said, pointing to one of the bystanders.

"bet." the bystander replied as everyone took positions to start the game.

The game started with a fury, fast passes from orlando and Coby to Dooma who quickly scored 4 dunks before Mark's team had scored a single point.

"Doesn't seem like your American genes are working today, huh, Mark. Seems to me you ain't even got a speck of that blood in you." Dooma said, scoring a 3-pointer in front of Mark.

"Tai, pass me the ball." Mark said as Taiko passed him the ball to Mark who hit a three pointer from the centre.

"Damm." The bystander said, putting a hand on his mouth.

"Still crying about the fact that you can't wear the number 8 for 'murica? Cry more." mark said as they prepared to defend.

The game began to change as both teams started playing seriously, passing and scoring in quick succession. The game ended with Mark and Taiko's victory.

"See you at the cup, if you make it." Dooma said, as he and his team left.

"International duty next month, the captain ought to come." Mark said.

"The vice-captain can handle that shit. I don't play friendlies. That is your only use number 2." Dooma said, smirking.

"I don't get your relationship with that guy, international teammates but he still treats you like shit." Taiko said as they walked to the bench.

"He is just a natural prick. Bounds of talent but zero respect for people, He is one of the best players in the world, guess he deserves to have that much ego, he can back it up."