The first official week at Manchester City Academy felt like living inside a dream — and a test at the same time.
Khali and Bello woke up every morning at 6:00 a.m. sharp to the sound of the dorm alarm. Outside, the cold Manchester wind bit into their faces as they jogged toward the training ground, breath visible in the icy air.
"Back home, the sun used to wake us," Bello said, rubbing his arms. "Here, even the sky's still asleep."
Khali laughed, though his legs were sore. "Maybe it's shy of us Nigerians."
They reached the field just as Coach Roberts blew his whistle."Let's see what you've got, gentlemen! Warm-up and small possession drills. Move that ball like your future depends on it — because it does!"
Adapting to a New World
The academy's rhythm was fast and unforgiving. English players communicated in quick slang; European kids played with tactical precision.
At first, Khali struggled to understand Coach Roberts' accent."Move the ball quicker, lad!""Whose lad?" Khali whispered to Bello.Bello grinned. "You! You're the lad!"
Despite the laughter, Khali adapted fast. He studied every movement, every style, and every tactic. After each practice, he stayed back to train longer — perfecting his long passes, improving his first touch, and learning to play under pressure.
Bello was equally driven, practicing his finishing until his boots were soaked with sweat.
One evening, Coach Roberts approached them after training."You two have something special," he said, folding his arms. "Chemistry like that can't be coached. Keep it alive — it might earn you a shot with the under-18s sooner than you think."
Khali and Bello exchanged excited glances. The under-18s? That was one step closer to professional football.
A Surprise Visitor
The next afternoon, as the boys gathered for a recovery session, there was a sudden buzz around the field. The academy director walked in with a tall, familiar figure in full City gear — blond hair, calm face, and bright eyes.
Khali blinked, thinking he was imagining things.
But no — it was Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City's midfield maestro himself.
The entire pitch froze in awe.
Coach Roberts smiled. "Listen up, lads. Kevin's here to spend some time with the academy players — share a few lessons from the top."
De Bruyne's voice was calm and confident. "When I was your age, I made mistakes. I wanted to play for the crowd. But real progress starts when you play for the team."
He turned, scanning the young faces — and his eyes stopped on Khali."You," he said, pointing gently. "You're the one who plays in midfield, right?"
Khali's heart skipped. "Yes, sir."
De Bruyne tossed him a ball. "Show me how you control under pressure."
Everyone watched. Khali took the pass, cushioning it smoothly, then flicked it up and sent a clean diagonal pass straight to Bello — who volleyed it back into De Bruyne's chest with precision.
The first-team star smiled. "Impressive. You two train together?"
Khali nodded. "Since we were kids."
De Bruyne chuckled. "It shows. Keep that partnership. You remind me of myself and my old teammate. One day, maybe you'll wear this badge for real."
The boys cheered. Bello grinned so wide it hurt.
Khali could hardly breathe. He had just trained with Kevin De Bruyne — and earned his praise.
Later That Night
The dorm lights were dim, and the room smelled faintly of polish and grass. Khali sat by the window, staring out at the distant Etihad Stadium lights.
Bello lay on the top bunk, humming quietly. "Bro, did you hear what he said? 'One day, maybe you'll wear this badge for real.' That means we've got a chance."
Khali smiled. "Yeah. But it also means we have to work ten times harder."
Bello leaned over the side of the bunk. "You ever think about how far we've come? From dusty Zangola to training with De Bruyne?"
Khali nodded slowly. "Sometimes I still don't believe it. But I know this — we didn't come all this way just to stop now."
He picked up his ball — the same one he'd brought from Nigeria — and placed it beside his bed."This is just another beginning."
A New Dream Takes Shape
The next day, the academy board released a notice:Selected U17 players will train with the U18s next month.
Khali's and Bello's names were on the list.
Coach Roberts clapped both of them on the back. "Looks like your journey's speeding up, lads. The Premier dream is calling — don't let it pass you by."
Khali and Bello grinned at each other, adrenaline rushing through their veins.
"Next stop," Bello said, "the Etihad."
Khali laughed. "And after that — the world."
They jogged back to the field together, hearts full of determination, as the Manchester rain began to fall softly — a new chapter of their story written in every drop.