Currently away with Family with his Sister, I have missed them both. I hear the 5am alarm and can’t wait for the kids to return home. It’s almost time for a new football season, and a new academic year too—
For Kingkong, a fresh start, a clean slate. Before the boots go back on, before the whistle blows.
Hey Kingkong, I wanted to share something with you.
You’ve been through a lot in the past few weeks:
- A trip to Africa.
- Time with family away from Mum and Dad.
- A deep breath before the big push forward.
And on that long flight home, we watched something together that’s stayed with me — the story of Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.
That documentary wasn’t just a movie. It was a mirror. For you.
Why You and Sachin Have More in Common Than You Think
1. Relentless Practice
Sachin batted for eight hours a day as a kid. Even when his hands were blistered. Even when he was tired.
→ Just like you, out there in the rain, perfecting your turns, shooting at cones, chasing every drill like it’s match day. I hope we can raise the standards this year
2. Bouncing Back from Setbacks
Sachin failed. A lot. He got out for zero. He lost games. He lost his father — and still came back to score a century.
→ Just like in Africa, when you saw kids your age begging in traffic — and gave 25p to a young girl. You were surprised when seven more children swarmed our car. That moment changed you. You said it yourself: “I didn’t realise how different life could be.” You are right! Life could be different, but we have to take our moments and be grateful for what we have and where we are.
3. Handling Big Pressure
1.3 billion people expected Sachin to win. Every time. Yet, he stayed cool. Focused. Humble.
→ You’ve felt pressure too — in matches, in trials, even at school. But like Sachin, you’re learning to focus on the ball — not the crowd.
4. Staying Humble
Sachin carried his teammates’ bags. Never showed off. He let his actions speak.
→ When you’re training for sports day — 400m, 800m, discus throw — remember, leadership is about lifting others, not just trophies.
What Africa and Time Away Taught You
Being away from Mum and Dad was new. The longest ever — more than 7 days. I have to admit, I missed you And Indeed your Sister– so much when you were away with your Uncle and Aunties-
and I wondered how I would have coped had I left you in Africa, but I genuinely hoped you’d gain new perspective, just like we wrote about in Why Talent Isn’t Enough and Reflections on the Trip to Africa.
You saw how some kids played football without boots, or clean kits — and how kids your age hawked or begged on the street.
You walked the road I once trekked to school — the same road that built the man writing this to you now.
You saw family. You listened. You reflected. You begged to return.
Even Uncle Messia reminded me how much these moments matter — but also how important it is to keep love and connection strong and so, you returned with me, Because this journey is about support, not punishment.
Then Uncle Jude, at the airport, said the words I hope you will never forget:
“Don’t let me down. Don’t let your parents down. You have so much potential.”
Now, it’s over to you.
New Season, New You
So what does this all mean for the new season?
It means:
- You’ve seen what struggle looks like — and how blessed you are
- You’ve trained not just your body — but your mind and your heart.
- You’ve been reminded that talent is a gift — but discipline is the driver.
Now it’s time to chase the dream again.
But this time, with more focus, more gratitude, and more grit.
So whether it’s:
- Training for the 400m and 800m.
- Aiming to win discus at Sports Day.
- Or giving your best at every academy session…
Do it like Sachin. With quiet fire. With purpose. With love for the process.
There will be early mornings. Tough losses. Moments of doubt. But there will also be wins. Laughter. Growth.
So when you’re out on that pitch or that track and it starts to feel hard —
Remember that girl at the window in Africa.
Remember Sachin’s blisters.
Remember who you are.
KingKong. Dreamer. Fighter. Doer. Let’s make this season your best yet.
