Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: The Notorious Duo

"Here we are with the notorious duo from Alexandra Comets — Thulani Sibisi and Big Z," the reporter from Soccer Laduma says. His voice comes wafting out of the phone lying face up in the middle of the table while the two of us sit in some media room at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, hours before kick-off.

I look over at Sibisi, the only other person in this room. "Notorious duo," I mouth at him silently.

Sibisi rolls his eyes, but his chest heaves with a quiet laugh.

"Sibisi, congratulations on the new baby boy."

"Thanks, Simphiwe." My best friend leans forward so the phone in the centre of the table picks his voice up more clearly. "My wife and I are over the moon to add another one to the Sibisi family."

"And LJ? How's she liking being a big sister?"

"She loves it," Sibisi laughs. "She's a fiery little one, and she's chuffed to have someone to boss around one day."

"Well, we can't wait to see you and your wife and the kids at Ellis Park for the next home match."

This is typically how the conversation goes. Reporters start with all the sweet, sentimental stuff for Sibisi, then they come to me.

"And Big Z," Simphiwe begins, using my nickname.

"How we doing, boss?"

"Doing good. Doing good. Not as good as you are, I assume. Your face was all over the timelines last week — the latest one, walking out of Ellis Park with you after the opener. Someone we should know about?"