The new year began with a cold wind sweeping through Manchester, carrying whispers of dreams and destiny.For Khali and Bello, it was more than just another training day — it was the day.
The academy's Contract Trials were the final step before promotion to the professional youth team. Scouts from across England — even a few from Spain and Germany — filled the stands.Every pass, every touch, every moment mattered.
The Briefing
Coach Roberts stood in front of the nervous group, whistle around his neck and determination in his eyes."Listen up, lads. Today, you show who you are. Not just your skills — your courage, your teamwork, your spirit."
He looked directly at Khali and Bello. "And you two… I know how far you've come. Play your game. The rest will follow."
Bello whispered, "No pressure, right?"
Khali smirked. "Just everything we've ever dreamed of."
The Whistle Blows
The trial match kicked off.Blue vs. White — both teams made up of the academy's best. Khali started in midfield, Bello up front.
From the first whistle, the game was fierce. Tackles flew, passes zipped, and the scouts watched every movement.
Khali focused on rhythm — short passes, quick decisions, reading spaces. He could almost feel the game, like the ball was part of him.
In the 15th minute, Bello made a run down the left wing. Khali spotted him and delivered a perfect pass through three defenders. Bello took one touch, then curved the ball into the far corner.
Goal!
Coach Roberts clapped on the sideline. "That's the link I was talking about!"
Pressure Rising
The second half was tougher. The White team pressed harder, and Khali took a knock on his recovering ankle. Pain shot up his leg, but he refused to go down.
He gritted his teeth, pushing through.Bello noticed and shouted, "You good?"
Khali nodded. "I'm not stopping now."
Moments later, a White midfielder intercepted a pass and charged forward. Khali sprinted back, sliding in with perfect timing to win the ball. The scouts murmured, impressed.
He stood, wiped the mud off his knees, and pointed ahead. "Let's finish this."
The Final Moment
In the 89th minute, the score was 1–1. The next goal could decide everything.
Khali received the ball near the halfway line. He looked up — Bello was making a diagonal run between defenders.
Khali's instincts took over. He chipped a long, looping pass over the back line. Bello controlled it mid-stride, faked a shot, then buried it into the net.
Goal! 2–1!
The whistle blew seconds later. The game was over.
Khali and Bello collapsed to their knees, laughing, breathless, drenched in sweat.They had done it — together.
The Announcement
That evening, all players gathered in the academy's main hall. The director stood at the podium, papers in hand."Thank you all for your efforts. Every single one of you showed heart. But only a few will move forward to professional development contracts."
He began reading names. Khali's heart pounded with every pause.Then —
"Khali Usman.""Bello Yusuf."
The room erupted in applause. Bello shouted, "We did it!" and hugged Khali tight.
The director smiled warmly. "You two remind us why this academy exists — not just for talent, but for teamwork and resilience. Welcome to Manchester City's professional youth development squad."
Khali felt tears sting his eyes.He looked up, whispering, "Thank you, Baba. Thank you, Mama."
After the Storm
Later that night, the dorms were quiet except for the hum of the radiator. Bello was lying on his bunk, still buzzing with energy.
"Bro," he said, "we're officially City players. Like… really City players."
Khali smiled, staring at his signed letter on the desk."Yeah. But we're not done yet. This is just another beginning."
Bello nodded. "Another beginning — but we're walking into it together."
They bumped fists again, sealing their promise under the pale Manchester moonlight.