After the good news from the sponsor presentation, the atmosphere at Nailsworth Town club began to change. A new spirit blew among the players and staff. However, Arief knew that the real struggle had only just begun.
That day, Arief gathered all the players in the changing room. He looked at their faces, which were a mixture of confidence and uncertainty.
"We have been given a great opportunity, but to seize it, we must be more than just an ordinary team. We must become a solid family," he said calmly but firmly.
Among them, Lisa spoke up, "Coach, we are ready. But there are a few things we want to discuss about togetherness and communication on the field."
Percy, who had been quiet all this time, also nodded in agreement. "Sometimes we get confused when the coach's orders change."
Arief smiled. "That's normal when we're in the process of learning and adapting. But I want you to be open with each other. Communication is key."
They then began a lively discussion that brought up many things. From small habits, training methods, to how to deal with pressure during matches. Arief led patiently, listening and giving space to all voices.
Outside the changing room, Roy watched proudly. He knew that change was not just about technique, but how this team was beginning to unite their hearts and minds.
Meanwhile, at home, Arief received a video from Sari showing the children enthusiastically practising football, accompanied by cheerful laughter that reminded him of his biggest reason for staying in a foreign country.
That night, alone, Arief sat on the balcony of his flat, gazing at the dark sky dotted with stars. He knew this struggle would be long and full of twists and turns, but with his family and team growing stronger, he was confident that his big dream could be achieved little by little.
With burning determination, he whispered, "We will move forward together, stronger and unstoppable."
***
As the days passed, the atmosphere at Nailsworth Town club grew more enthusiastic. Arief arranged a training schedule that not only focused on physical and technical aspects, but also built trust and solidarity among the players.
During the morning training session, Arief introduced a simulation game called "small teams". He divided the players into several small groups and gave them challenges that required close cooperation. There was no shortage of laughter and funny comments as the players tried to outsmart each other.
Tom, in his usual style, said sarcastically, "Is this a training session or a drama competition, coach?"
Arief just laughed and replied, "Football is drama, Tom. But it's drama that we control!"
The serious side was no less important. In the discussion session after training, Arief reminded the players of the importance of understanding their respective roles and how effective communication could make the difference between victory and defeat.
Lisa, who increasingly showed leadership qualities, took the initiative to create a special chat group for the team to maintain communication, especially regarding training schedules and evaluations.
However, not everything went smoothly. Some minor tensions arose, such as when Percy felt unheard and Tom, who was difficult to manage, resurfaced, putting pressure on Arief's diplomatic skills.
To mitigate this, Arief often holds personal sessions with the players, simply to listen to their complaints and give them personal motivation.
At home, support also continues to flow. Dewi and Sari take turns sending funny videos and audio recordings of the children practising football, providing positive energy and laughter amid the exhausting struggle.
That night, while spending time writing his training notes, Arief smiled as he closed his laptop. He knew that his journey had just passed the first stage – uniting everyone to take the next step.
With a heart full of hope and a head full of strategies, he was ready to face the bigger challenges ahead.
***
The big match day was getting closer, and the atmosphere at the club was heating up. Arief held the final training session before they headed to the field. He wanted to ensure that everyone knew their roles and the strategies that had been devised, while also fostering enthusiasm and confidence.
In the midst of intense, spirited training, Arief walked towards the players and gave his final instructions. "Remember, whatever the outcome, the important thing is that we perform as a team. Cooperation on the field will lead us to victory."
Tom once again showed off his funny tricks when he tried to kick the ball as if he were dancing, making the whole team laugh. "Coach, it's like we're teasing our opponents, isn't it?" he said enthusiastically.
Arief smiled and replied, "Yes, Tom. If we can make them forget how to play because they're laughing, that's a big win too."
Tension arose when Percy expressed his concerns about the team's performance, but Arief calmed him down. "Percy, it's natural to be afraid. But if you believe in yourself and trust each other, that's half the battle."
The night before departure, they gathered in the small changing room, casually strategising while sharing snacks sent by Dewi and Sari. A warm and laughter-filled atmosphere filled the room, dispelling all tension and reinforcing their determination to perform their best.
At home, Arief's family waited for news via video call. Natalia and her children in Staten Island cheered them on with the children shouting, "Papa, we hope you win!"
Dewi and Sari also encouraged them from afar, giving their full support. "You are not only representing yourself, but also your entire family back home," said Sari.
In bed, Arief gazed at the clear night sky, feeling the weight and responsibility surge in his chest. But at the same time, there was a great strength that sustained him: the love of his family, the team spirit that was beginning to unite, and the belief that this struggle would open new paths.
He took a deep breath, preparing himself to face a day full of challenges and great opportunities. "We walk together," he whispered softly, gazing at the starry sky.
***
The day of the match arrived with unrelenting intensity. The small stadium in Nailsworth was filled with enthusiastic supporters, giving the debutant team a burning energy.
Arief stood on the sidelines, watching his players who were now more than just teammates; they were a united family. The tension was palpable, but it strengthened rather than weakened them.
When the whistle blew, the game began at a fast pace. The opponents were formidable, forcing Nailsworth to play with discipline and a well-thought-out strategy. Slowly but surely, Arief's strategy began to pay off, with several smooth attacks and a solid defence.
On the sidelines, Arief gave loud instructions, strengthening communication between players. He knew that this victory was not just about goals, but the spirit that radiated from every step the players took.
Tom, who sometimes sought attention with his antics, this time played as a true playmaker, delivering accurate passes that surprised the opponents.
Lisa, the assistant coach who was considered the captain and now brought new courage, led the team with infectious energy. Smiles and laughter sometimes broke out in the midst of hard work, a sign that the team was really starting to enjoy their journey.
The greatest tension came in the final minutes, when the opponents scored an equaliser. However, with extraordinary determination, Nailsworth Town responded with a winning goal scored by Percy, who had been the most problematic player but found his rhythm this time.
The final whistle blew. The atmosphere erupted in cheers and warm hugs. The victory was the first proof of what could be achieved through hard work, trust, and unity.
After the match, Arief stood in the middle of the pitch, gazing at the stars beginning to appear in the English night sky, remembering his family far away and the promise he had made.
"We've come this far together. But our journey is still long. This is just the beginning."
***
The victory in the first match brought unexpected euphoria to Nailsworth. However, Arief knew that this was not the end, but the beginning of even greater challenges. In an evaluation meeting with Roy and several key players, they discussed things that needed to be improved and strategic steps for the future.
"This team has great potential, but we must keep working hard," Arief emphasised. "We must not get complacent with this first victory."
Tom, who was beginning to show maturity, nodded seriously, "We are ready to work harder, Coach. And we know this is not just about winning, but about becoming better together."
Arief also began to reorganise the training schedule based on his evaluation. He added mental and fitness training, as well as motivational sessions that he led himself. He also scheduled regular meetings to strengthen communication between team members.
Amidst all this, news from Russia and Indonesia about his family provided further motivation. Natalia sent a video of his eldest son, who had started actively training in football again, while Sari reported that their children in Indonesia had formed a small community to support Arief's efforts.
Dewi also sent a humorous message, "If you become a great coach, don't forget that we in Bekasi also want to be your number one fans."
On the field, minor conflicts began to subside. Jack and Mike started to soften after seeing the positive changes in the team's atmosphere. Arief patiently continued to build trust, setting an example of firmness and sincerity.
The situation, which was once tense, gradually became harmonious. Not everything was perfect, but there was real progress that made everyone more confident about the future.
As night fell, Arief sat on the balcony, writing in his diary as he usually did. He recorded every detail of the team's journey and his life, promising to keep moving forward, living out his dreams that never faded.
"We've come a long way, but there's still a long way to go. Together, we can get through it all," he wrote slowly.
With renewed spirit and unwavering determination, Arief was ready to face the next chapter in his life and football journey.