The Renaissance Chronicle
Squad16 Nov 2037
Parfait Bizoza damages knee ligaments — 62 days out
The words a physio says slowly. 62 days is what the club will announce and everybody who has heard this diagnosis before knows the number is the least of it: the knee comes back before the player does.
Squad16 Nov 2037
A one-man rearguard from Aphile Ngobese
There were 11 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.
Market16 Nov 2037
Chidozie Lawal puts it in writing
“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Renaissance, and it is not being withdrawn.
Squad16 Nov 2037
Boubacar Samassekou keeps the receipts
“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Renaissance may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.
Squad16 Nov 2037
Tempers go at Renaissance
Aphile Ngobese was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Boardroom16 Nov 2037
Wages eat 144% of everything Renaissance earn
There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.
Boardroom16 Nov 2037
Renaissance are $8.3M in the red
The borrowing is past what the bank agreed, which is the line where a debt stops being how football is financed and starts being a problem. Every phone-in in this town will quote the figure for the next five years.
Match14 Nov 2037
Renaissance share the spoils with US Moursal
A 1‑1 draw with US Moursal leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.
Market16 Nov 2037
Talks stall between Renaissance and Ahmed Ejuke
“We are a long way apart, and pretending otherwise helps nobody.” Neither side is close, and the calendar is not on the club's side.
In brief
- Market The Chidozie Lawal story refuses to die
- Market The clock does Mohammed El Hachami Chacha’s negotiating for him
- Player ratings Boubacar Samassekou runs at them all day