After several matches that strengthened the team, Arief and Nailsworth Town faced a tougher test — a match against a big club from a neighbouring town that was already experienced in the English amateur league. It was not only a matter of the opponents being tougher, but also mental pressure for a team that was still raw.
Arief started the day by evaluating the strategy with the coaching team and Roy. "We have to be smart in taking advantage of every opportunity. Our opponents are fast and aggressive, so don't let your emotions get the better of you," said Arief seriously.
On the training ground, the atmosphere was tense but focused. Arief intensified physical training and polished the quick counter-attacking tactics that he believed could be the team's secret weapon. He also reminded the players of the importance of maintaining discipline and focus throughout the match.
The team's spirit was tested when Tom began to show signs of fatigue and pressure. Usually cheerful, he now began to withdraw, even clashing slightly with some of his teammates. Lisa, as assistant and de facto captain, played an important role in maintaining team cohesion.
Not only that, Arief also had to deal with administrative matters and paperwork so that he could continue to work legally in England, which put him under additional pressure.
On the night before the match, Arief received an enthusiastic video call from his three wives. They gave him support and prayers, while laughing and joking, reminding Arief of the happiness he felt even though he was far from home.
With all the burdens and hopes he carried, Arief ended the night with conviction: this match was not just about winning or losing, but a proof that struggle and unity could overcome any obstacle.
***
On the morning of the match, Nailsworth Town was filled with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Arief led a brief briefing to remind the team of their tactics and boost their morale. "We may be considered the underdogs, but remember, football is always full of surprises."
On the pitch, the match was intense. The opponents played aggressively, but Nailsworth Town remained disciplined and agile, executing their well-prepared counterattacking strategy. Tom, who had been under pressure, found his moment of glory by providing an accurate assist to Percy, who scored the first goal.
However, the pressure continued to mount. Several times, the opposing team launched dangerous counterattacks, testing the defence. Communication between players was put to the test, with Arief repeatedly shouting instructions as the ball approached the goal.
In the middle of the match, there was a minor incident when Tom and Mike argued about strategy. Arief immediately intervened, calming them down and reminding them that differences of opinion were part of a strong team, as long as they were expressed professionally.
In the stands, Roy and several local sponsors watched with hope. They knew that this victory would open new doors for the club and the team.
Finally, the match ended in a draw that felt like a victory for Nailsworth Town. The team's spirit and hard work earned praise from the opposing coach and spectators.
After the match, Arief gathered with the team in the changing room to offer appreciation and motivation. "This is just the first step of a long journey. You have shown great heart and fighting spirit. We will build on this."
At home, messages and videos of support kept coming in. Natalia, Sari, and Dewi filled Arief's day with laughter, prayers, and new hopes.
That night, Arief realised that the test was indeed tough, but with strong hope and unity, everything could be overcome.
***
The days following the tough match that ended in a draw were filled with evaluation and reflection. Arief and the entire team sat down together, discussing what worked and what needed improvement. Roy gave his full support, emphasising the importance of teamwork and maintaining morale.
Arief knew that for the team to move up a class, they had to do more than just work hard physically. So he began introducing mental training sessions and relaxation techniques, so that the players could control their emotions when under pressure.
On a personal level, Arief struggled with his growing longing for his family. Messages from Natalia, Sari, and Dewi eased his longing and reminded him that he was not alone.
One afternoon, after practice ended, Arief sat down with Lisa and Tom. Their conversation revealed another side of the players, exposing the fears and hopes that were often hidden behind their stubborn attitudes or laughter.
"Coach, I'm afraid of failing," Lisa said honestly. "But I also want to prove that we can be more than what people think."
Tom added, "Me too... Sometimes I'm confused, between being the funny one or the serious player."
Arief smiled and replied, "That's normal. But you don't have to choose one. Be the best you can be, in your own way."
That night, Arief received a voice message from Dewi that made him laugh out loud. "Remember, Coach, don't just focus on football, or my family in Bekasi will complain that Dad in England has forgotten about us!"
With warmth and laughter, Arief felt a great strength flowing from his family and team. He was sure that this journey would bear sweet fruit as long as they continued to walk together, supporting each other and daring to dream.
***
Time marches on and the next match is fast approaching. Arief and his team know that the real test is not over yet; they must face increasingly complex obstacles and tougher opponents.
Behind the scenes, Arief must enhance his coaching skills, not only in terms of on-field tactics but also in motivating and managing the diverse dynamics of the team. Mental training sessions become more routine, and Arief often invites guest speakers to share their experiences and inspiration.
Tom, who had previously struggled with discipline, slowly began to mature and take on more responsibility. Lisa increasingly demonstrated her abilities as an assistant who could maintain a balance between being firm and supportive.
However, the biggest challenge came from within Arief himself. The complicated process of obtaining permits almost made him give up. There were times when he felt exhausted, but calls from his family and the team's enthusiasm always strengthened his resolve.
One night, during a long video call with Natalia, Arief shared his fears and hopes. Natalia offered comforting words: "Arief, you are stronger than you think. Remember, we are all here to support you."
The next day, Arief invited the team to a special session to share stories and support one another. That moment strengthened the bonds between the players and ignited a new fighting spirit.
Despite the uncertainties ahead, Arief and Nailsworth Town FC are now truly one family. Their big dream is not just about football, but about the power of togetherness and hope that never fades.
***
The days leading up to the next important match are filled with preparation and anticipation. Arief is becoming more mature in managing his team and his complex life. He continues to seek a balance between his roles as coach, head of the family, and a man who continues to dream.
In one training session, he invites the players to role-play, understand each other's positions, and foster empathy. This approach creates a more intimate atmosphere and smooth communication.
Tom, who used to seek attention through his antics, is now more focused and has begun to watch over the other players, becoming a kind of liaison on the field. Lisa has solidified her role as a wise and inspiring assistant.
Arief also receives good news from the club management that sponsors are beginning to expand their support, giving hope for better facilities and support.
Although the road ahead is still long and full of challenges, the Nailsworth Town team is now beginning to realise that with shared enthusiasm and hard work, they can pursue their big dreams.
During that evening's video call, Arief's family once again became a source of strength. Natalia, Sari, and Dewi sent messages full of encouragement, adding energy to face the next phase.
Arief gazed at the English night sky, realising that trials and hopes go hand in hand, and with them, small steps forward hold great significance for the future.
***
Arief sat in a simple but cluttered coaching room filled with notes, tactical boards, and several small screens displaying recordings of previous matches. This was the moment when all the strategies and training philosophies he had learned and applied had to be put to the test.
As a coach, Arief had a simple but profound philosophy: football was a collective game that demanded tactical intelligence and a balance between discipline and creativity. "Football isn't just about who is the strongest or fastest, but about how we understand space and time, making the right decisions at the right moment," he told his coaching team, including Lisa, his assistant coach—a clever woman with extensive knowledge of tactics and opponent analysis.
Lisa is tasked with compiling technical reports on opponents, analysing their playing styles from various matches, and helping Arief design training sessions that address the opponents' weaknesses and the strengths of the Nailsworth Town team. "The players must maintain their physical fitness, but the game intelligence we develop will make them more formidable," he said with a smile.
The captaincy is now held by Tom, a teenager who was initially known for being mischievous but has learned responsibility. Tom plays a crucial role—not only leading on the pitch, but also acting as Arief's right-hand man in maintaining discipline and building team spirit.
Arief explained the formation they would use in the upcoming tournament: a 4-3-3 formation with a focus on midfield flexibility. "The midfield must control the game, balancing attack and defence," he said as he outlined the diagram on the tactics board. "The three midfielders must be able to switch roles, fill empty zones, and quickly transition from defence to attack."
Their main strategy is to launch quick counterattacks and utilise the width of the pitch. Arief observed that the majority of their opponents use a high-pressure defence, so gaps in the midfield and wings can be exploited. "Our wingers must have high agility and accurate crossing ability so that the strikers can execute opportunities efficiently."
During that morning's training session, the main focus was on building counterattacking patterns with the right speed and coordination. Arief instructed the players to pay attention to the timing of through passes, communication without the ball, and balanced player positioning so that the ball would not be easily stolen by the opponents.
During the training, Lisa provided input from her observations of the opponents' videos, warning that some of the opposing players were quite aggressive and tended to commit hard fouls, so Arief reminded his players to remain calm, disciplined, and not get provoked into emotions that could harm the team.
Tom showed great progress in his leadership. He not only encouraged the players but also supervised the game on the field, helping the younger players to avoid careless mistakes and always reminding them of Arief's instructions.
Arief also emphasised the importance of physical and mental endurance. Each training session always ended with breathing exercises and mental focus to improve concentration. "Modern football is no longer just about muscles, but how to manage energy and keep a clear mind," he said at every briefing.
In the evening, after a full day of intense training, Arief returned to his modest flat. His mobile phone rang, displaying a video call from his wife, who offered encouragement and warm support despite the distance between them.
However, in his mind, Arief always returned to the tactics board. He knew that the next match would be the biggest test for his tactics and philosophy. He was confident that with a well-thought-out strategy and a passionate heart, this team would be able to go further.
Football for Arief is not just a sport; it is an art and a way of life that connects all its aspects—the team, the strategy, and the family—in one harmonious struggle.