Wellspring Staff Football Team Holding Their Own in Saigon International Schools StaffLeague!
IP teachers football team group photo
As debutants in the highly competitive Saigon International Schools Staff League, our staff football team has been busy proving that we haven’t just joined this year to make up the numbers. With the halfway mark now behind us, the battle for semi-final qualification is heating up, and every game from here on out will be crucial. We’ve had our moments of brilliance, some unfortunate hiccups, and plenty of entertaining drama along the way – and it’s far from over yet!
Our campaign began with a statement victory, a stunning 7-2 demolition of EMG on a damp September evening. Despite limping onto the pitch with a half-injured leg, Mr. Chris channeled his inner Lionel Messi, weaving through defenders and dazzling the crowd of wet Wiser supporters to nab us our first win. It was 1 for 1. Our second game was a hard-fought 3-0 triumph over VAS – a scoreline that perhaps flattered us a little more than it should. Conditions were tough that evening - the “football pitch” as patchy as a student’s homework excuses—plenty of gaps and no real structure. Had it not been for Mr. James deciding to unleash a late hattrick, we might still be out there chasing a breakthrough goal. Nonetheless, two wins on the board and momentum was on our side… for a while.
Then came the reality check. A disastrous encounter with reigning champions BIS saw us on the wrong end of a humbling defeat. However, in true punditry fashion, we’ll blame the absence of key players rather than anything else. We bounced back with a spirited 3-3 draw against ISHMC in January, a match that could only be described as a “tale of two halves.” After a sluggish start by ISHMC left us thinking it was going to be too easy, we took our foot off the gas and allowed them back into the contest, only to snatch a late equaliser. Was it tactics? Was it pure luck? No one really knows, but the last minute handball save off the goalline by Mr Eden, which the ref somehow never saw, certainly helped!
Now, with just two games left in the regular season, everything is still to play for. To secure a coveted semi-final spot, we must finish in the top two of the District 2/Binh Thanh standings. With the league table tighter than Mr. Thang’s evening schedule on match days, every pass, tackle, and goal could be the difference between glory and an early exit. The pressure is well and truly on!
But as we approach the final stretch, six crucial questions remain:
IP teachers football team tackling for the ball
Can Mr. Johnny, our ever-passionate goalkeeper, keep his emotions in check and ensure we don’t self-destruct under pressure?
What impact will our three super parents—the tireless Mr. Ky, the steely Mr. Thanh, and the energetic Mr. Nam—have in the decisive fixtures?
Will Mr. Thang actually make it to a game before kick-off for a change, or will we continue to start matches a player short?
Does Coach Tim have a tactical masterstroke up his sleeve to mastermind a late-season surge?
Is Mr. Greg’s bold new hairstyle destined to earn him a lucrative image deal with a top football brand once his Wellspring career comes to a close?
And finally, will we recruit any more signings before next week’s must-win encounter with EIS? Rumours of an ex-pro are circulating around the school!
With just a few weeks left in the season, only time will tell! One thing’s for sure: the drama is far from over. Next game is Friday night the 18th of April vs EIS. Must Win! Stay tuned!
- The Wellspring Sideline Scribbler
