He wore his knicker and when he picked his shirt, he remembered that he lost two of the upper buttons of his shirt the previous day.
He tucked in his shirt to conceal the absence of the buttons to his father, Johnson, who was seated in the living room. He hurriedly ate his breakfast and picked his bag.
Ben carefully placed the bag on his chest with the aim of traversing the sitting room without his father knowing what was happening. He walked through the room turning his side to his father but Johnson managed to notice the open chest that Ben was trying to cover.
"Come here! Why are you so playful? What happened to the button of your shirt?"
Looking through the top of his glasses, he dropped the newspaper that he was reading in order to query Ben who had brought his schoolbag home torn the previous week.
"Someone pulled my shirt and the buttons removed while practicing for the football event of our inter house sport competition". Ben explained in a sober mood.
"I sent you to school to study and not to play football. If you don't change your habits, I will change you from that school. I hope they will punish you for coming to school with a buttonless shirt. Get out of my sight."
Ben was a prolific striker for his greenhouse - a sensation to watch in the field of play. He was determined to showcase his talents in the competition and he didn't allow scolding from his father to get to him.
It was Friday, a day before the sporting event. He joined his colleagues to practice and his display was part of a morale booster for the green house and their house master.
Ben speaks the language of the ball and commands it at will. When Ben is with the ball, any passerby is made to wait and watch the dazzling skills.
Johnson wasn't interested in all of that. "Ben must become a Medical Doctor," he declared his preference.
On Saturday morning, the competition day, Ben dressed up like every other day but he was anxious about getting to school to join his mates for the sporting activities. Parents were invited to the event but as usual, Ben's parents didn't give a damn.
Ben learned to continue to strive to maximize his potential without his parents' support for his passion. The students were once asked to make a wish about their choice of vocation and Ben was unequivocal in telling the crowd that he wished to become a renown international footballer. "My ambition is to win the ballon d'or."
The competition went underway and greenhouse were billed to play against red house as the final of the football event.
The referee blew the whistle to kickstart the match. Greenhouse were prepared for a win and right from the first minute, the communication with the ball by the players was topnotch. It was tiki-taka football.
In less than 10 minutes, Ben scored the opening goal. The whole spectators erupted into jubilation. Beating four defenders with his skills before putting the ball into the top right corner was a sensation to watch.
The game ended 3:0 and Ben scored the three goals. Greenhouse won the gold medal for football.
When it was time to give out prizes to outstanding players, all attention was on Ben as he claimed the prizes for highest goal scorer and the best player.
"The sky is not your limit but your starting point. You will leave an indelible mark in the world of football." The proprietor remarked as he was giving Ben the final prize.
His display caught the attention of a football scout, Jack, a friend to the school proprietor, and he wasted no time asking more questions about Ben after the match.
"This young lad is gifted. My club is looking for such an excellent goal scorer." Jack stated.
The proprietor invited Ben's parents to the school the following day and the proposal of Jack signing Ben for his club was presented to them.
"My club is interested in signing your ward for our club in Europe. My friend, the proprietor of this school, invited me to grace this event and I am glad he did that. I wouldn't have been able to watch this potential world best."
Jack presented his desire to have Ben put down his signature on papers for his club.
Johnson reluctantly consented and after weeks of arranging for visa and finalizing other protocols, Ben was flown to Europe with his father to do the signing.
It was like a dream for Johnson because in his wildest imagination, he wouldn't have believed that Ben would make him experience such recognition and fame so soon.
They were given the printed offer to go through before discussions and agreement.
"How much is this per week?"
"$30000," Jack replied.
Johnson took a long look at the offer letter before drawing Ben closer to himself for a hug. He couldn't hold back his tears as he apologized to his proud son for almost forcing him to jettison playing football.
"I wanted you to attend medical school by all cost but I was shortsighted. Thank you for following your passion and bringing this huge honour to us."
"Thank you daddy. My wish has become a reality. Continue to pray for me to excel in playing this round leather game."
It was a moment of joy and fulfillment as Ben signed a five year contract for the club. He brought glory and financial breakthrough to his family.
