Soccer tournament
A year ago during our visit to Makifu and Tungamalenga, as we were celebrating the birth of one new parish from the original large parish, someone had the great idea that we should hold a soccer tournament. It sounded like it would be a friendly match between pick up teams, with evangelists and church elders taking the field. I remember a pastor joking that the Mama Mchungajis (pastors' wives) would be the goal keepers.
SOTV was asked to bring "the cup" or trophy for the winner.
The atmosphere was festive as the teams took the field. As we watched the first half, we realized this was not a casual pick up game but a serious match with highly skilled players. We learned the two teams had played the previous week, with Tungamalenga edging out the team from Mahuninga & Makifu two points to zero.
Half time was great. All of a sudden, fans on the sidelines poured onto the field to surround the players. Coaches talked strategy, and the onlookers were also free to give advice and suggestions. Pastor Randy's helpful advice to one team was, "Stay strong!"
The second half continued as closely contested as the first. While the first half was mostly played close to the Tungamalenga goal, during the second half it seemed as though the team from Makifu was closer to scoring.
But when it was all over, the score was 0 - 0 and the sun was close to setting. A spirited discussion broke out as the teams debated playing extra time or taking penalty kicks to decide the game (Americans would call it a shoot out). We were a little surprised that these details had not been agreed upon before the start of the match, and we were even more surprised when the team leaders came to us for a decision on how to proceed.
We deferred to our partners, and in the end, leaders of the two parishes stepped into the youth center for discussion. We asked Dr. Barnabas to say a prayer for unity, and then asked the treasurers from each congregation to speak for their team. In the end, all came to agreement.
SOTV was asked to bring "the cup" or trophy for the winner.
The match was set for 3PM Saturday, August 16.
We sent the bus to Makifu to bring players to the field behind the Tungamalenga church. Then we learned that more players were coming from another village. Finally, all the players arrived and the game began at 4:45. To our surprise, a lot of people from the village -- not just people from the congregation -- came out for the match. The whole field was lined with people. One of our young friends told us that this was an unusually large crowd.
We sent the bus to Makifu to bring players to the field behind the Tungamalenga church. Then we learned that more players were coming from another village. Finally, all the players arrived and the game began at 4:45. To our surprise, a lot of people from the village -- not just people from the congregation -- came out for the match. The whole field was lined with people. One of our young friends told us that this was an unusually large crowd.
We were seated at a draped table. Bega Kwa Bega Director Rev. Peter Harrits drove out from Iringa to catch the game.
The atmosphere was festive as the teams took the field. As we watched the first half, we realized this was not a casual pick up game but a serious match with highly skilled players. We learned the two teams had played the previous week, with Tungamalenga edging out the team from Mahuninga & Makifu two points to zero.
Half time was great. All of a sudden, fans on the sidelines poured onto the field to surround the players. Coaches talked strategy, and the onlookers were also free to give advice and suggestions. Pastor Randy's helpful advice to one team was, "Stay strong!"
The second half continued as closely contested as the first. While the first half was mostly played close to the Tungamalenga goal, during the second half it seemed as though the team from Makifu was closer to scoring.
But when it was all over, the score was 0 - 0 and the sun was close to setting. A spirited discussion broke out as the teams debated playing extra time or taking penalty kicks to decide the game (Americans would call it a shoot out). We were a little surprised that these details had not been agreed upon before the start of the match, and we were even more surprised when the team leaders came to us for a decision on how to proceed.
Next year, there will be rematch. The teams will agree on the rules before the match begins. Until then, the Bega Kwa Bega cup will reside at the BKB office in Iringa.
It was an unusual experience for us, after simply visiting village congregations. The match gave us another glimpse into the real lives of our Tanzanian communities. It should not surprise us that our Tanzanian friends are as serious about soccer as our Vikings and Packer fans are about American football.
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