Day 45

Up at 10 today as we had a slightly later start. It was the 2nd round of fixtures in the Communicare Action Soccer League. We turned up and had a little kick around while we waited to be needed. We had been asked to ref or coach wherever needed. Team Bothasig hadn't turned up, apparently they had transport issues again and are now close to being kicked out the league as the attendance is so poor. We have been over there and they're a good set of boys but they need somebody to organise them a bit better. So Drommedaris seniors and juniors were to play friendly games against makeshift sides. Me and Harry were asked to join in and as we had nothing else to do we took them up on their offer. Drommedaris seniors had a very well organised side and it's no surprise we lost 6-1, we played some good football and hit the post a few times but you could tell they had played together before and we hadn't. Harry got his 4th goal in 2 games.

Ruyterwacht then arrived ready to play Sandrift, 1 of Salvons teams. Some poor refereeing led to a very physical game and I think Ruyterwacht were put off by the physicality. Some very good footballers when the balls at their feet but not too good roughing it abit, we saw the same against the coaches team last week. Today's game saw Joe and Densel go in goal both weren't helped by the defence and conceded 2 each. Harry got a run out in the 2nd half but couldn't get into the game, a few half chances but not at his best. I watched on as the score ended 4-2. I'll try and get a few minutes next week, after this mornings game I was feeling my calf a little bit.

We left and went back to Berghof had some lunch and sat about for a bit. We had planned to go out with Conan and he had phoned earlier to ask if we could possibly make an appearance at a school that were having a camp on the back field. After all the favours Conan had done us we agreed, nothing major just go along with him in our Arsenal kit and have a walk over to where the kids would be playing football and just say hello. We ended up joining in on their game which was fun, in started off as a 5v5 but as word spread it was easily 15v15 by the end. Harry wanted to make it a competitive game and count towards our scoring I agreed reluctantly, but even though my team won by 5 goals I said because of the way the teams went we'd not count it, aren't I nice. As it was a massive camp over the parents were all setting up tents or sorting out food which meant when a kid went down injured it was down to me to look after him, Harry had a bloodied toe the other week luckily I got a kick to the Achilles to sort out. The kid could barely walk but wanted to carry on playing, these boys love their football. While we were there I was told I had a nice accent and apparently sound like Niall from one direction, I'm sure he's Irish, but Anyway I could get used to these compliments after Harry has continually made fun of my accent for the last 6 weeks. 

Once the football had finished and with everyone asking who we were we decided to get them all in and tell them a bit about ourselves, we even had a little skill-off with all the kids showing us their skills. We then walked over to where the food was being made, Conans wife Shelley treated us to this curried chicken and rice dish that I've forgotten the name of but it was really nice. After sitting with the 2 of them for a while we headed back, both exhausted. I've caught the sun a bit again today so my fading red nose is now glowing again.

Tomorrow is our lazy day and with half of Cape Town being closed off because of the cycle race that's going through town it will be difficult getting anywhere so we decided to just chill out, we might go and watch the cyclists go through but who knows, some of the big names are competing and I believe even Team Sky are going to be there. Because of the fire the race has been cut from 100km to 50km because some of the roads are closed and others have become dangerous. People have complained about the reduction but I'd be greatful for not having to go 100km in the South African heat. 

So I pre warn you tomorrow's blog is likely to be on the dull side. But Monday will be 1 not to miss, we our going full tourist, visiting boulders beach, Cape of good hope and other places, followed possibly by football training with Ruyterwacht, taking part not coaching, then possibly going out to watch Arsenal v Man U in the cup with Conan.