My athletic body nearly causes stampede at school

Following the little tribulations that I have encountered recently both on the domestic and professional front, I am happy that I am involved in something that preoccupies my mind. But, as usual, enemies of development are everywhere.

It all started in January when we sat as staff to distribute the first term ball games amongst ourselves. The HM, Bensouda, strongly believed that we should all concentrate on academics.

“The extra-curricular activities are the reasons this school doesn’t not perform well,” she said. We, however, insisted that we believed it was important.

“The student needs to grow both in body and in brain,” I said. My other colleagues supported me and she gave in later, although she advised us to ensure that our preparation aren’t so good – so that we do not go past the sub-county level.

As the principal assistant to the HM (Kwame is the deputy), I led discussions on the distribution of games. Historically, I am always the king of music, dance and drama; but following the dismal performance in the ball games in the last few years, I decided to take on one of the ball games.

“We may not be having a good name academically,” I told the staffroom, “but we have an opportunity to re-write history through ball games,” I said. As usual, Kwame, Madam Ruth, Anita, Rumona and Tito rushed to take football, volleyball, netball and handball respectively. But no one would touch leg ball.

“I don’t know how leg ball is played,” said Rumona when I challenged her to take the challenge. “Since this is merely football, I suggest that a male teacher takes it up.” All the men in the room declined.

Never one to fear challenges, I took up leg ball. Within a week, I had set up a leg ball team and we embarked on daily exercises as we prepared for the cluster and zonal games. I also poached girls who were good in leg ball from netball, handball and volleyballs, and soon, I was running into trouble with Madam Ruth, Anita and Rumona, who wanted to use the same girls for their games.

STAR ATTRACTION

On top of the list of the most wanted team players was Sandra, Nyayo’s daughter. Although always sickly when in class, at games’ time Sandra suddenly becomes energetic, focused and active. She was a star attraction to all the girls’ ball games.

I therefore needed an extra incentive to make her, and others, to permanently choose leg ball. I started by exempting them from other routine punishment, allowed them to arrive at school late, and ensured that whenever they were caught in mistakes, I would push for their forgiveness.

Soon, almost all the girls trooped to leg ball, as the other teachers complained that I was using underhand methods. From the initial 35 girls interested, I reduced the number to 22, and released the rest for other games.

Having stopped to teach during morning and evening preps, we used the morning for road work, and evening to do thorough exercises.

But it would appear that my colleagues were jealous that I was preparing a strong team that would take our school to great success both nationally and possibly internationally.

They brought this up in the staffroom. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to teach leg ball students,” said Anita.

“How can that happen?” wondered Bensouda, the HM.

“They are usually tired after running in the morning and in the evening,” she said.

“Dre should reduce the kind of exercises given to the students, it is too much,” Mrs Atika added.

“I disagree,” I said. “On the contrary, this makes them alert the whole day.”

“I thought so too,” said Bensouda. “When you do exercises you become more alert.”

She dismissed them and encouraged me to continue with the exercises although she said I shouldn’t strain the girls.

“Try light exercise as much as possible,” she counselled.

I would, every morning, wear my only old Kilimambogo TTC track suit; go for road work with the students, then go back home to prepare for school. In the evening, I would change to the track suit and train the students until late. Soon, Madam Anita and Kwame joined me with their volleyball and football teams respectively. I however had a feeling that Madam Anita was more interested in finding fault in what I was doing. And I was right.

It was last Wednesday. After doing my usual morning exercise, I went home, changed then returned to school. After classes, I rushed home to pick my track suit. But on arrival, I found Fiolina around, washing. She had already immersed my only track suit in water. All my other clothes were wet.

EXCITED STUDENTS

The students and I were really looking forward to the practice session that evening. On that day Team A was to face Team B for a competitive match. I was to play for team A in the first half and team B in the second half.

With or without a track suit, I was not going to miss this one. I however could not go to the field with my green Kaunda suit, just as I never allowed the students on the field with their uniform. But since I had a kaptula (short shorts) and vest underneath the Kaunda suit, although both a little torn, I decided to wear these during the game.

I went back to school, removed the suit, and joined the students for the game, wearing only my vest and kaptula. The students were quite excited to see me in this attire. We started with light exercises before the actual game began. All the girls were excited to see me. Osama, Alphayo’s son was the referee.

Within minutes, all the other students, particularly girls, had left their games and had come to watch our match, including teachers. They would cheer me loudly every time I kicked the ball. I then saw Madam Anita walk away, and shortly after return, accompanied by Bensouda. I was happy she was interested in what I was doing but was surprised when she ordered Osama to stop the match, and called me.

“Why do you want to spoil my girls?” she asked me as I walked to her. “Please don’t even approach me when you are naked. Go put on something then come to my office,” she added, then dismissed all the students. Everyone was disappointed. By the time I wore my suit and walked to the staffroom, there was already an emergency meeting.

“This is immoral, unacceptable,” I found Mrs Atika speaking. “All the girls in the school stopped what they were doing to go and see Dre naked. What do you think was going through their minds?”

“Dre should be banned from leg ball completely,” said Anita. He should only train the boys where they can all go naked if they want!”

Being my friend, Bensouda did not reprimand me before them; she however dismissed the meeting and told everyone that she would talk to me after the meeting.

Once they were gone, she told me that she was ashamed at my actions. “You have a great athletic body and lovely legs,” she said. “You shouldn’t be exposing them to everyone. You are very attractive and all the female teachers were salivating when they saw you in the boxers.” I didn’t know what she meant by boxers but was ashamed to ask. She directed me to always ensure I have the track suit during games. “If you only have one, I can buy you a second one,” she offered.

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