Greenfield Glory

A recap on this year's football season by Kafka Nayandra

This school year brought a big win for the U-19 Football Team, as they managed to bring home the distinguished trophy of the Greenfields Cup - marking them this year’s champions. It was a tough match against a side which had the capability to penetrate through the fierce defence of the Mentarians. But eventually, two goals from Ryan Djunaedi reinforced by an additional late goal by Fattah Diah were enough to secure our boys with the win, and as the referee blew the whistle, the Mentarian squad cheered joyfully as they came running into the field - knowing that the trophy was theirs to keep. To this year’s greenfield cup, they are crowned champions.

It's safe to say that it did not only take extensive skills for the players to be able to get this far. As it was interpreted by the team’s goalkeeper, Nafi Rizky, mentality too played a crucial part in determining the quality of the team’s performance.

“To be frank, we knew since the very beginning we have the capabilities of having a deep play off run in Greenfield’s cup, but we would never knew we would go this far.” 

“We just believe in every single one of ourselves and every single one of our teammates.” he added.

The boys who managed to only place themselves on the middle of the JSFL’s seasonal table took this tournament’s opportunity to retrieve silverware. Dylan Gassert, as the team skipper of the U19 was unfortunately unable to lead the team at that time due to personal issues."This was the third final that the team has played in. After loosing the first two, which was saddening, we were sure that we didn't want to lose this one.” he commented. “Even though I didn't play, the team gave it their all and got exactly what they deserved. I couldn't be happier." Despite not reinforcing the team as an outfield as he should be, he was present at the game amongst the crowd, showing support for the boys and eventually witnessing, and joining his fellow teammates in celebrating their victory. 

It all turned out to be a satisfyingly happy ending for the boys as they lifted the trophy on Gala day, adorned gold medals hanging around their necks. This only becomes more special after knowing that this marks the final year for the 12th graders to carry Mentari’s name onto the pitch. The real question now is, will the prospect U19 have both the capability and ability to follow what the team have achieved? We’ll never know for sure, but we do know that we need to keep supporting and hoping for the best to our lads!