The Galgenwaard stadium was buzzing with an energy that Amani had rarely experienced in his time at Utrecht. Word of his spectacular goal against AZ Alkmaar had spread like wildfire through the city, and the home crowd had turned out in force to see if their young star could produce more magic against RKC Waalwijk.
As Amani walked out for the warm-up, the reception was unlike anything he'd experienced before. A section of the crowd began chanting his name before he'd even touched the ball, and he could see homemade banners with "AMANI 37" and "KENYAN PRINCE" scattered throughout the stands.
"Listen to that," Mark van der Maarel said, jogging alongside him. "They're here to see you, kid."
The captain's words carried no jealousy, only pride. In the week since the AZ match, the entire team had embraced Amani's growing status. His goal hadn't just won them three points; it had announced Utrecht as a team to be taken seriously.
