A Humble Learning

Saturday games by my hockey boys was a good lesson to learn. It is the last game we play before breaking for exams. I could sit on the bench, for the first time, because it was a game which we did not have any players for substitution. Not because we are a strong and confident team but that 6 of my key players was not there for various reasons. 2 were supposed to turn up but our wait was realy in vain.

In less than 5 mins of the opening, we let in a goal. By half time, the score was 2-0 against us. In the 2nd half, we changed strategy and slotted in a goal. Keeping our fingers crossed we had hope to equalised but a silly mistake at shot corner cost us another goal.

We had our chances but our forwards were just to raw and new. The finishings were bad. I sat on the bench watching, shouting in at times and praying hard for 2 more players to turn up. Then I started feel a pinch psychologically. We had been winning every match all these times, even against the intimidating teams. I felt the lost as hard as my players who fought it out on the field. I had them wanting to win so much. So so much. Because I know they have yet to really meet the stronger teams which we may not do well.

Though the team wants to win, I felt that I wanted that win even harder. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I have always been that competitive and the past successes have gotten too much into me. When the game ended, I took a few minutes to recollect my emotions. And at this point, it is my lesson to learn. There are games that I go to and expect a win, there are also those I expect to lose. It is always those that I want my teams to win and that when they lose, I find it hard to accept.

Saturday was a humble learning, to be able to cope with a loss and disappointment. Just like in life, there will be times when it's smooth sailing and also times when things bring you down. And what's important is when you fall how you pick yourself up and move on.