Board Doubts

The official start of the off-season brought a subtle shift in the atmosphere at Sportcomplex Zoudenbalch. The relentless tempo of daily team training eased, replaced by personalized fitness regimes, tactical review sessions, and a quieter, more reflective mood.

For Amani and Malik, it was a welcome change of pace, allowing their bodies to recover and their minds to process the whirlwind of the past few months. Yet, beneath the surface calm, the words Mr. Stein had spoken lingered: "Discussions happen. About the future. About contracts."

The whispers started subtly. Amani noticed slightly longer conversations between Mr. Stein and Coach Pronk, their heads bent together near the sidelines after individual drills.

He caught Kristen Stein occasionally observing him during gym sessions, her usual brisk efficiency tinged with a thoughtful, almost appraising look. Even some of the administrative staff seemed to regard him with a new level of curiosity.