The morning of the first U18 training session, Khali woke before the alarm.For a moment, he just lay there — listening to the steady drizzle of rain against the dorm window, the faint hum of the city beyond.He could hardly believe it: he and Bello were about to train with players nearly two years older, stronger, and faster.
"Bello," Khali whispered. "You awake?"
From the top bunk came a sleepy groan. "If I'm not, wake me up in my dreams."
Khali grinned. "Today's not for dreaming. Today's for proving."
They dressed quickly, pulling on their City-blue training kits, the fabric still smelling faintly of detergent and ambition.
The New Arena
The U18 pitch was larger, sharper, and surrounded by assistant coaches with clipboards. The older boys were already warming up — bigger builds, harder stares, confident voices.
Coach Roberts walked over, his whistle swinging around his neck."Khali. Bello. Welcome to the next level. Here, every touch matters. Every mistake gets noticed. Don't try to impress me — play smart."
"Yes, coach," they chorused.
As drills began, Khali immediately felt the difference. The passes came faster, the tackles harder. A midfielder named Tom Carter, tall and built like steel, seemed to test him deliberately, pressing him every chance he got.
At first, Khali stumbled — his timing a split-second late, his body struggling against the cold.But then he remembered De Bruyne's words: Play for the team, not the crowd.
He started reading the game, finding space, linking passes. Bello, on the other hand, thrived up front, making sharp runs and finishing with confidence. Their chemistry began to shine again, turning heads on the sideline.
Earning Respect
During a break, Tom Carter approached Khali."You're that new kid from Nigeria, right?"
Khali nodded, cautious.
Tom smirked. "Didn't think you'd last ten minutes out here. But… you've got control. Respect."
He extended a hand. Khali shook it, relief washing over him."Thanks," he said. "But I'm still learning."
Tom grinned. "We all are."
From that day, the tension eased. The U18 boys began passing to Khali more often, testing him, but trusting him too.
The Big Test
A week later, Coach Roberts gathered everyone in the locker room."Listen up, lads. Saturday, we play a friendly against the Chelsea U18s. Scouts will be watching. Some of you will be rested. Some —" he glanced at Khali and Bello — "will get your first taste of competition."
Bello nearly dropped his boots. "Did he just say—"
Khali nodded, stunned. "We're starting."
Game Day
The day of the match, the Manchester skies were a deep gray, but the pitch shone under the stadium lights. Khali's heart pounded as the whistle blew.
Chelsea started fast — pressing high, controlling possession. Khali felt the pressure immediately, blue shirts swarming him.
Then, in the 25th minute, came his moment.
Tom intercepted a pass and flicked the ball to Khali, who spun past one defender, then another. Ahead, Bello was sprinting down the wing. Khali threaded a perfect through-ball between two defenders.
Bello didn't hesitate — one touch, then a low shot into the bottom corner.Goal!
The crowd of academy players and scouts erupted.
Coach Roberts punched the air. "That's how it's done!"
Khali and Bello hugged, breathless. "Like Zangola days," Bello whispered.
Khali grinned. "Only colder."
A Call from the Director
After the match — which ended 2–1 in City's favor — Khali and Bello were called into the academy office.The director sat behind his desk, smiling.
"You boys made quite the impression," he said. "A scout from the first-team youth development staff noticed your link-up play. They'd like you to train with the Elite Development Squad next month — if you're up for it."
Khali could barely speak. "Y-yes, sir. Of course!"
The director chuckled. "Good. Because from now on, things only get tougher. Remember where you started — and keep that fire burning."
As they stepped out of the office, Bello threw his arm around Khali's shoulders."Bro, we're going places!"
Khali smiled, staring out at the pitch under the fading light."Yeah," he said softly. "But this is just the first real test.