Chapter 35 - Chapter 35: Upper Tier

"Do you feel like you've worked out how football works, now that you've been to plenty of these matches?" Naledi takes the seat next to me as she makes it back to our row after going down to see Thulani pitchside.

"I think so." My head is on a swivel, taking in the sights of Ellis Park. Yoh, this place is big. I've been coming to Zondi's home matches for weeks, but I always find it fascinating how quickly they turn the ground round. There was rugby on this pitch last night — a full house for the Emirates Lions — and by this afternoon it's a football ground again. And the night before that I was at the Wanderers watching my brother. "I have the rules down for the most part. And as far as our team goes, your husband scores the goals, and the guy I'm seeing spends the ninety minutes collecting yellow cards for being a dick."

A small chuckle escapes her. "Seems like you've got it figured out for the most part."

"You don't have to keep sitting with me at every match," I offer, giving her an out. "I know my seats are practically in the car park. I'm just worried about anyone seeing that I'm here."

"I'm happy to get to sit with you." Naledi nudges her shoulder into mine. "Thulani just needs our little pre-match thing, but after that, he's focused on the match and not where I'm sitting. I'm excited that you're here. Now I don't have to sit in the family suite with the other WAGs."

I take a long swig of my Castle Lite, which is not craft and is the only thing they sell up here. "WAGs?"