“Mphathi wami“, I say as I walk into Mthunzi’s office. I walked to his side of the building. Within this village our offices are in – the NIR village – Mthunzi is the CEO of the financial services pillar of the business. He and his team sit in their own building. Thomas heads the Technology pillar of the business and he has his own building where he sits with his team. I head the brand and communications pillar and I have my own building with my team. There is then a main building where Mfundo sits with support teams that support all pillars – the people who fall under NIR group. These teams are finance, HR, Legal and Regulations, IT, Call Centre and External Affairs. They report into all three of us: Mthunzi, Thomas and me. Their director, however, is Mfundo and that’s who we go to when discussing anything Group Support. He’s doing so well. I’m proud of that boy. He can be my son ANYDAY! 

In our Village, we also have accommodation, training facilities, gym facilities and chill-out spots for our NFR Legends. When they play games in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng, they stay here. 

Mthunzi never likes going to anyone’s office. Thomas says he’s always been like this. Always. So, any meeting between us is at his office. Imagine! I feel like they should come to me since I’m the only CEO who wears heels around here. 

“Mphathi, kunjani?” He says, pausing whatever he’s doing on his laptop then pays me attention. 

“Your PA said you are not in a call. I hope I’m not interrupting you.” I say. 

“No, please, come in. I actually needed to bring a campaign to your office for a new product we are launching. I’ve just approved it. You’ve saved me a trip.” He says. 

“Awunamahloni! I’m the one who marched here in heels.” I say and he laughs. 

Thomas walks in with Mfundo. 

“Good, you are now all here”, Mfundo says. 

Thomas kisses me, saying hi. 

I smile at him. 

“You guys haven’t done any team building things or taken a day out to do some CSI work.” Mfundo says. 

We all look at him – CONFUSED. 

“HR says – 

We don’t even let him finish and we are already complaining. He laughs at us. 

“I’m basically here to instruct you that you owe the company a CSI day as well as a team building initiative.” Mfundo says.

“We are fine for our teams to go.” Mthunzi. 

“You have to join them… lead by example.” Mfundo. 

“Have you been?” Thomas asks Mfundo.

“No. So, if I have to do it, we all have to do it.” Mfundo says.

We are not impressed shame. 

“Some teams have already been to the schools that we support through our foundation. We have to go with senior management in the organisation. We can go to the hospital that we’ve helped Nene start.” Mfundo says. 

“Of course, we are bringing your wife into this.” Mthunzi says and we all laugh. But honestly, I like where he is going with this. 

“Think about it… we’ve invested millions into a hospital that is an NPO. It is a hospital that is designed to take care of people who cannot afford private Healthcare and it’s intended to deliver first class Healthcare. It is based in the homelands that lie between South Africa, Lesotho and Tholoana Kingdom. It’s in a place where people have to travel far for Healthcare and it’s not just a clinic. We did that. It’s time we launched the brand. It will attract the necessary media attention on it.” Mfundo really sells his fiancé’s dream well shame. I’ll give him that. 

“I like it. I’ll get my team to put attention on this and have journalists cover us. We will invite the NFR Legends team and the other owners to join us. But what will we be doing?” I ask. 

“Painting. Gardening. Reading to the children in the children’s ward. Feeding the elderly admitted there that need help with eating. Wiping bums and – 

“Hai! Mfundo!” Mthunzi. 

“I’m really not looking forward to this.” Thomas. 

“Well, we have to do it. It’s an HR requirement.” Mfundo. 

“Why can’t we get the entire company to just go? It’s a big hospital and there’s clearly a lot that needs to be done.” Thomas. He will do anything to come back to the office early. 

“I agree. We will chat to Sbo to make sure there are enough busses. It’s a four-hour drive away. And we need accommodation when we are there. Do you think Ramaru Hospitality can make a plan for us? We can book out the whole resort. I’m sure people will be coming with their families.” I ask Thomas. 

“I’ll talk to Kenneth. I’m sure they can accommodate our request.” 

“Then we’ve paid our debt with HR. Please! For the fucken year. It’s going to cost us shitloads of money to just go there.” Mthunzi. 

Mfundo laughs then dials on his phone. The phone is on speaker and his screen reads “Nene” with a heart emoji. 

“And then?” Mthunzi. Me also, I don’t understand what’s happening. 

Mfundo tells Nene the plan the further asks what the hospital still needs. Huh??? Where’s the money for those needs coming from? 

More staff. But there’s no budget to pay them. More resources for the physiotherapy section. Back-up power to accommodate loadshedding. And many other things she’s listing. 

I attempt to leave the room, but Thomas pulls me to stay. 

They tell each other that they love each other then they hang up. 

“How much is our CSI budget again?” I ask. 

“I checked it. We still have enough to pay salaries for the hospital.” Mfundo says. 

“So, we own a hospital too now?” Thomas. 

“If this hospital is going to be a large chunk of our expenditure from a CSI perspective, we need to let all these other initiatives go. The schools. The other hospitals. The NPOs. Then we put sole focus on it and make it an expansion of the business… an organization that benefits off the technology pillar, the financial services pillar and the brands and communications pillar – not just financially. We all have to have KPIs dedicated to uplifting this hospital. The external affairs team must bring government into supporting them too.” I say. 

“That’s actually a good idea. And there’s actually a lot that we can do. But the others need to go.” Mthunzi. 

“Plus, the hospital makes sense because the support will be meaningful. We not just throwing money at an initiative, but we are showing why the existence of our company uplifts communities and is an industry leader to building the community in a meaningful way”, Thomas.

“Okay. I’ll talk to the External Affairs Team Leads and sort that out. But for now, I’ll put together a spreadsheet of the expenditure that will go into the work. Uncle T, after you’ve spoken to the Uncle Kenneth, please let me know so I can call their people and talk costs?” Mfundo. 

“Sure thing.” 

“We will have to leave two days from now, so I’ll talk to Fifi to come down with the team. I’ll also chat to the other owners. Next weekend is my membeso and mabo, so we can’t really do much.” 

I ululate, making the office festive. Mthunzi is so proud. 

His lobola negotiations went very well. I was there making umqombothi with Koena and Koena’s mother. Mfundo is happy. Going back home to a family really makes all the work he does here worth it and I’m happy for him. I like this for him. 

…

Mfundo, Nene, Saneliso and Mbali slept over last night because we were told that we have to be on busses at 4am. 

It’s 3:30am. Nene and I are making food for the road. Fikile and I are texting each other because we are cooking different things, but we will all be in one bus. Fikile, Thomas, the Ramaru boys, Rofhiwa, Khanyisa, Sibongiseni, Latifah, their two kids, and my family will all be on one luxury bus. Thank God! 

I’m known as the boss’ wife at NIR and amongst the NFR Legends. I don’t want to mingle with them. I’ll just keep it within the circle of the people that I know. 

“Mah, I think all the bags are packed. I’ve checked Mfundo’s, Liso’s and Mbali’s bags. They have everything, including toiletries.” She tells me. 

“Perfect. I think we should also take blankets. We woke up way too early. These guys will sleep in the bus.” I say. 

“I sure hope so. I’m so nervous about the company in the bus.” She says. 

“Company?” 

“Well, you know how we had extra space?”

“Yeeeesssss?” 

“It was clearly too much space. Mfundo and I were video-calling with Fifi because none of us could sleep, and apparently the Mohale boys and Zarinah are joining us on the bus.” 

“What are you telling me?!” I cannot believe my ears. 

“Mah, I’m just as nervous.”

“Does Thomas know?”

“Fifi says he does.” 

I’m already dialling Fikile. 

I put her on speaker. Nene and I are huddled around my phone. 

“Hey babe”, Fikile. 

“Girl, we driving down with the Mohale boys?” I ask. 

“Yoh Koena… we are. Do you know how much sex I had to give Thomas to make him calm for this trip? My coochie hates me right now.” 

Nene and I laugh aloud. Fikile is laughing too. We hear Latifah laughing too. 

“Do we still hate him? Where is Thomas with his feelings about him?” I ask her. 

“Shame, he’s accepted the situation. I think we are just at that point now where asifuni ukudelelwa, that’s it. But it’s easier to swallow seeing them hold hands now.” She says. 

“Okay… well, let’s hope all will be good on the bus.” Me. 

“Me too, mama. Trust.” 

“Okay. See you now now.” 

We hang up. 

“Isn’t it too early for gossip?” Mthunzi says. He is coming down the stairs with Mfundo and Thingo. 

Zothile, Liso and Mbali went back to sleep after their bath. So, we will be carrying them onto the bus. 

“We need to be prepared for being on a bus with the Mohale boys.” I say. 

“Ey, I heard. Thomas told me.” Mthunzi says. He’s wrapping his arms around me and kissing me. Mfundo is all over Nene too and Nene is a bit shy. 

“I can’t wait to be in the bus with Khanyisa too”, Thingo catches all of us off guard. 

Mfundo is even coughing and Nene is in SHOCK! 

“Thingolwethu – 

I try, but he cuts me and says, “Ha ah, mama! Nah nah nah! I watch you old people PDA in front of me everyday. Let me be great.” 

“Did people wake up with the mission to piss off Thomas Ramaru today?” Mthunzi. 

“And wena… both Thomas and Sibongiseni are on that bus.” I say. 

I see some slight fear in his eyes. Good. 

“Khanyisa is off limits, son”, Mfundo says. 

“But bhuti – 

“Eh baba! Angidlali nawe mina. I paid lobola to be able to PDA in front of people. How many cows do you have to send to Uncle T and Uncle Sbo?” 

Silence. 

Mfundo is probably the only person who knows how to deal with this kid. Every time Mfundo sees him dribble Mthunzi and I, he gets upset and tells him that he must go live with him and Nene… he will set him straight. 

“Fine. Can we just watch movies at least? We are bringing iPads and Chargers for the trip.” Thingo. 

“Show me the pillow you are putting between the two of you while watching those movies.” Mfundo. 

Mthunzi and I are enjoying this. 

“My chest will be her pillow.” Thingo. 

“Boy, I’ll make you sit with Liso, Mbali and Zothile if you say one more stupid thing to me.” Mfundo. 

Thingo is quiet. Nene is laughing. So are Mthunzi and I. 

“Go upstairs and bring me the pillow that will be placed between you and Khanyisa. I need to vet it.” Mfundo insists.

Indeed, Thingo goes upstairs then brings down a continental pillow. 

Ja neh.

…

The bus ride. 

I would honestly much rather be with the other WAGs who are in the players’ luxury bus with their men and kids. But I’m soon learning that a clique of my own is forming here and it consists of myself, Rofhiwa and potentially Thuli. For starters, Tee-le is on this bus with us and without Khosi. Fifi and I are the only two people who know that Tee-le has been making secret trips to Mpumalanga to do ‘business’ with Thuli. 

Mo is passed out on top of me. His head is on my lap and his legs are stretched out. I had to make sure that he took his anxiety medication when we got onto the bus because he had an episode yesterday. We were at my apartment when this happened. I moved out of res and into an apartment that his family pays for because we need privacy apparently. I know it’s because no one should know about his condition. I’ve been trained to manage him in that state. Last night, I drove him to his doctor whose number I also have. So, we drove to Gauteng after leaving the doctor rooms. Fifi, Rea and Tee-le drove down with us. 

“How is he?” A text from mofomahadi Thabi comes through my phone. 

“Still asleep. I gave him his meds before we got onto the bus. I’m letting him rest. It was a rough night.” I text back. 

“Thank you for looking after him. We genuinely appreciate you. Please phone us when he wakes up.” She texts me back. 

“Will do.” Me. 

“Water? Juice? Or bubbles?” Fifi asks me. She’s in front of me with another stunning lady… Mfundo’s wife. 

She catches me staring. 

“This is Nene, by the way. My sister. You know Mfundo’s my brother. Nene, this is Zari”, she introduces us. 

Nene and I greet each other and before we know it, we have bubbles in front of us. It’s so early in the morning. Too early. 

Rea and Tee-le are sitting with Mfundo and are chatting away. 

I accept a glass of bubbles and keep rubbing my man’s head that’s on my thighs. He’s so passed out shame. 

“The WAGs WhatsApp group is going INSANE!” I say. The vibration bathung. 

Nene and Fifi are both not on the group. 

“Open it”, Fifi says. 

She gets all the WAGs gossip from me. Angisho she’s too good for them? 

I open the group chat and hand my phone to Fifi so we can all see. I also don’t want to disturb Mo with too much movement.

Lando: “Why is Yaya not here with Bethlehem girl? Instead, he’s here with his baby mama.” 

Fifi laughs! She doesn’t like Bethlehem girl shame. She likes the work she does, but she doesn’t like her as a person. 

“Bethlehem girl?” Nene enquires. 

“The bitch that exited Thuli from Yaya’s life. She’s getting what she deserves if you ask me.” Fifi. 

Nene giggles. 

Paula: “Maybe she’s started losing him how she got him.” 

The three of us laugh. 

Renay: “Probably out there somewhere having lunch with Khosi and sharing notes on ho-ism 101.” 

“Isn’t she on maternity leave?” Fifi asks me. 

“She is. And Shack is with her. He only goes to games and practice now.” I say. 

“But she’s awake at ungodly hours entertaining gossip on this group?” Fifi. 

“Maybe her child feeds at these hours.” Nene. I like her. 

Fifi shrugs her shoulders and we are back to the group chat. 

Kate: “Tee-le isn’t here with Khosi neither.“

Paula: “We’ve noticed. ***rolling eyes***” 

Renay: “Finally his chance to get Thuli.” 

Carmen: “I’m here for that match. We already know that it’s made in heaven.” 

Lando: “And I’m just glad that we are hopefully seeing the last of that tacky bitch, Khosi, around here.” 

Renay: “Someone please make sure that Bangz stays away from Khosi. We actually need her out of this circle.”

Khosi: “The witchcraft of your hearts will never be fulfilled. I’m not going ANYWHERE!” 

“Yooooh!” Nene, Fifi and I say simultaneously. 

Then we laugh. 

Now people are looking at us. 

“Sorry”, Fifi says. 

“Is it the group?” Tee-le.

We start laughing. It’s the group and his girlfriend! 

Rea, Tee-le and Mfundo make their way to my phone. 

I really don’t want Mo to wake up. We can’t have this many people around him tu. 

Lando: “You haven’t quite paid for what you did to Sizwe. You don’t deserve Tee-le. We hope Tee-le doesn’t let us down. We know Thuli will be everything he wanted and needed because shame, he’s waited long enough for her.” 

Renay: “Tell her! I actually have a feeling that we should start blocking Khosi now on this group. Her days are officially numbered.” 

Mfundo is in stitches. 

“Dude, isn’t this your girl that’s being roasted here?” Mfundo asks Tee-le. 

“Not the girl that I want.” Tee-le says and we actually laugh. 

Khosi replies back on the group: “I’ll teach you sluts not to mess with me.“

Then she drops a sex tape on the group. 

“Ha!” The guys. 

We see a face. 

It’s Lando… 

But that man is not ManQ. 

“Yey! What’s happening here?” Tee-le. 

“What the – 

Rea is shocked. 

“Guys! What the hell?!” Mrs R exclaims! And she’s on her phone. All the adults are on her phone. 

“What’s happening?” Thingo. 

“Hai wena! Age restriction”, Mfundo. 

“Oh my…!” Khanyisa. 

“Every child under the age of twenty-one years old, hand in your cellphones.” Mr Msomi says. 

As the kids make their way to the back of the bus to hand in their cellphones, Khosi drops another bomb in the group… 

“Keep messing with me and I’ll start dropping paternity facts about some of you whores who have PHDs in ho-ism but are just hiding behind rings.” 

Yoh! 

This thing is already trending…. 

The tape and Lando’s goodies. 

“Who did this?” Mrs R, Mr R and Mr Msomi are in front of us now. 

Mr R grabs my phone from Fifi and they start reading the group chat. 

“That stupid girl! Give me Nomlando’s and Manqoba’s number. I need them to press charges against Khosi!” Mrs R. 

It’s bad! Kubi bi bi bi! 

“Ntanga, you are not defending her, vele?” Mfundo asks Tee-le. 

Tee-le’s face just tells us that we are doing him a favour if I’m being honest.

…

We get to the resort we will be staying at and everyone finds a chalet where they’ll be staying with their families. 

Kazi and I find ManQ and Lando in their chalet with their kids.

“Nomlando, are you okay?” Kazi asks.

She’s mortified. She’s not okay. And Khosi is arrested. We’ve received confirmation and that’s also trending on Twitter. 

ManQ is rubbing her back and actually comforting her. He must be disturbed too, but I commend him for realizing that his wife is feeling ten times worse than what he is feeling. 

“Did you know about this tape?” I ask.

“No, I didn’t. Well, I knew it existed because the guy has been blackmailing me for years with this tape. But, I’ve never seen it.”

She cries. 

“I was a child. I was younger than sixteen in that tape. And I’m unconscious. I don’t even recall everything that’s on there. And now my vagina is all over the internet.” She says. 

“Nomlando, that’s rape. You were raped. And by Khosi releasing this… child pornography. You were underage.” Kazi. 

Lando is just crying. Then she says, “What am I supposed to say to my kids? My parents and Manqoba’s parents won’t stop calling.” 

What has Khosi done mara? 

“I think the two of you should stay behind and deal with this. You don’t have to face cameras today and do all this work. We will also manage it for you as far as we can okay?” I say. 

“We really appreciate that, Fifi.” ManQ says. 

“Please… I don’t want Bethlehem girl managing this. Please.” Lando says. 

I nod my head and say, “I’ll manage it myself.” 

“Thank you, Fifi.” She says. 

…

We arrive at the hospital. People are still disturbed about Khosi’s stunt, but we are here. Mohato is quiet today and he’s not leaving Zari’s side. He had an episode yesterday, but Zari managed him so well. I hope he married her. No one will ever love him, care for him and manage him the way that Zari does. But they are laughing and skinnering. I’m sure Zari is bringing him up to speed. 

“How’s the porn star?” Khanyi asks me and Rea and Tee-le burst into laughter. 

This girl!

And these guys! 

“She’s mortified. But, did you guys notice that she’s actually being raped in that video?” I say. 

The guys stop laughing and are actually touched. 

“I didn’t see much. She had my phone confiscated”, Khanyi says. 

“She’s unconscious and she’s younger than sixteen.” I say.

“Shit.” Rea. 

“We need to phone ManQ.” Tee-le. 

“We tried. His phone is off.” Rea. 

“Give them space. Let them deal with this. We’ll see them when we get back.” I say. 

We all get split into teams and we are given a section of the hospital and tasks to do. This is a really big hospital. HUGE! 

My team is looking after the maternity ward. I’m with Zari, Mo, Rea, Tee-le, Paula, Leruo and other staff members I don’t know. Bethlehem girl couldn’t make it. She said she had stuff to do with her child and ex-fiancé. 

The guys help me carry the gifts we brought for the section. They leave them by desks and chairs then they get overalls and they start painting. Patients are not in here. The paint was going to hurt them anyway. 

Zari, Paula and I are packing care packages. Each care package has baby blankets, mommy gowns, baby formula, baby bottles and pacifiers, nappies, baby first aid kits, baby bathing kits and Dischem vouchers valued at R3000. 

We are packing 1000 care packages. This is going to be a long day. 

Zari starts chatting and shame, Paula actually becomes vulnerable enough to also talk to us. The three of us are chatting away. The female staff members come and join us because they can see that we need all the help that we can get. Now it’s chatting galore amongst all of us ladies. The men are painting, and putting in new furniture that we’ve sponsored.

We finish WAY after 10pm. Then we go to the wards that mothers are put with their new babies and we start handing out the completed care packages, with new baby bags, after Mrs Msomi senior and Mrs Msomi junior – lol, my Nene – have delivered a speech. People are in tears and they are so thankful. They even let us hold their babies and I suddenly start having baby fever. I see Rea smile at me and I’m wondering if he’s feeling it too. 

As we make our way to the busses, I see Rendani in Rea’s arms, Gundo in Tee-le’s arms and Ranwedzi is holding my hand. I check for my parents and I see them behind us, holding hands and kissing while walking. 

“Why do they kiss so much? They are old.” Ranwedzi says to me. 

“Fifi”, baba says to me. He’s Khanyi’s dad, but I also call him baba. All my siblings and I do. 

“Hello baba”, I say. 

“UKhanyisa uthandana nalomfana wakwaMsomi?”

Now I notice that Khanyisa is on Thingo’s back and they are running around acting cute. 

“Hai baba, angisho you know we are all close.” I say. 

“Ngempela?” Him. 

“Ja.” Me. 

“Okay. Go do that to Mfundo.” He says. 

“Ha!” What for?! Hai bo! But I get his point. 

“I just hope she’s not going to get pregnant before she finishes school.” He says, concerned. 

“Kazi would never let that happen. And Khanyi is a smart girl with her head screwed on right. She would never put herself in that position.” I say. 

“I guess uqinisile. And Fifi…”

“Yebo baba?” 

“I’m very happy that things worked out between you and Reahile. After everything the family went through when you chose him, I never wanted you to come back with a broken heart and be met with ‘I told you so’ comments.” He says.

“Ngiyabonga baba.” I genuinely mean this. 

“And ngane yami, no matter what, you always have a home with people that love you. I don’t want you to stay in situations that hurt you just because you don’t want us to say we told you so. I still haven’t forgiven myself for not giving Fikile the same safety net. She would have come home sooner ngoba eyakhe noKhotso yaphela kudala. So, baby girl, even in your deepest pain, don’t tolerate nonsense. Find your way back home. Ngiyakuthanda yeva?” 

I just hug him. Then I say, “ngiyabonga baba.”

…

Dikwe’s and Leruo’s relationship is becoming worse by the minute. I am happily married to Dikwe, but as a parent, I am concerned about the war between Dikwe and his son. 

I gave birth to a baby boy three days ago. His name is Pheelo. We have just returned back home and my four girls are home with me, loving their baby brother. Khosi is also here, but she is highly distracted. The NFR Legends are going through quite a rough patch now. The team chemistry has been so bad and today, they have lost their first game against their biggest rivals. It is bad. The rumours around some players being let go of is not helping at all. 

“Nobukhosi, are you okay?” I say as I walk into the kitchen and find her drinking champagne while staring into space. She was in prison for a week. I didn’t know because I was in hospital. She got bail, but Tee-le didn’t pay the bail for her. So, I could only get her out today. I’m still not able to drive, so I had my eldest daughter go sort it out after I gave her the money. I have just put my kids down. Dikwe is still at the office. After today’s loss, he is highly upset. 

“Something is going on with Tee-le”, Khosi says to me. 

“Why do you say that? Is it because he didn’t bail you out?” I ask her as I pour myself a glass of water. I am nursing, so no champagne for me. 

“The bail thing… I’m choosing to let that go because we have been in a weord place for a while, and I know that he is probably upset that I blasted a teammate’s wife. I had to teach those bitches a lesson. Who do they think they are? But back to Tee-le… I understand that he is upset that they lost today, but he just left to go on a business trip without saying anything to me. I texted him that I’m out of jail on bail and he didn’t even respond to my text message. He did not say anything about where he is going or when he would be back. And this is not the first time that he is doing this. He is so distracted these days. It is as if there is something new that is happening in his life. He is generally a busy person because of his businesses, but he is usually honest about it. Something is very different and that something is very off. The WAGs are chatting on this WhatsApp group and they are saying that before the game, Tee-le and Yaya got into a fight in the dressing room. Those two are close. What are they fighting about?” Khosi. 

“Khosi, the team is going through a lot right now and people deal with change and stress in different ways. All these men are just going through shit, including Dikwe. His and Leruo’s fight grows bigger by the day. The aura is just not okay”, I tell her. 

“It’s more than that. Has Dikwe said anything to you about letting go of Tee-le?” She asks me. 

“Khosi, I am Dikwe’s wife, not the team’s secret diary. UDikwe does not discuss the politics of the team with me”, I tell her. 

“Come on Mandi, involve yourself. Phela I am counting on you to make sure that Tee-le is not let go of. You cannot give me that answer, Mandisa”. 

“Nobukhosi, your man must earn his position in the team. Dikwe has bigger problems than worrying about players, their WAGs and their lifestyles. He is dealing with league officials up his ass for various things. Everyone has to do their part. Indaba yama-players is a team manager’s problem, not his. Akangeni ndawo”, I tell her. 

“For someone who Dikwe does not discuss soccer politics with, you know quite a lot. Let’s just hope that my sister has my back when it comes to it. If Tee-le loses his place in this team, it directly affects me and I need you to remember that”, Khosi. She has always been selfish. She has always tried to find benefits for herself in people’s situations. 

“That is unfair, Nobukhosi. This is my marriage we are talking about, not your lifeline for your relationship and lifestyle matters with Tee-le”. I say. 

She looks at me and pours herself more champagne. She sips from her glass while still staring at me. 

“Do you think he is cheating on me?” She asks me. 

“I think he is going through a lot. His team has lost its synergy and it is potentially messing with his head. It is bound to affect your relationship. What Tee-le needs is for you to stop thinking about yourself. Stop being selfish and actually be there for him, listen to him and support him. He is going through what could be the worst period of his career, don’t jump into conclusions”. I say. 

“Neh? Eish, I need to do better by him. Yaz, he is so good to me.” Khosi finally connects with her senses again.

“Ja hawu. Tee-le just needs some space. He knows where to find you when he needs to talk”. I conclude. 

… 

“Sorry love. I really hate that you are going through this”, I console my biggest baby after their loss today. It was such an embarrassing loss. Bastards need to be held accountable for the role that they played in this mess. 

“It’s those fucken bastards. They are fighting for Thuli! Thuli! Just before a big game such as this one? What the fuck is their problem? Uyanda insists that he is done with her. Why does he care that Tee-le is spending time with her?” he says. 

“WHAT?!” I have never been more shocked in my life. 

“We all know that Tee-le has been eyeing Thuli before Uyanda broke up with her. But to make a move on her so soon? Then they bring that shit to the dressing rooms. Dikwe, Mzwakhe, the Msomis, the Ramarus and KB need to get rid of both Uyanda and Tee-le!” 

If Shack was not this upset, I would really be milking him for information. If I liked Khosi, I would be on her side on this one. But I seriously underestimated Thuli. She is officially the queen of get back and she has my support 100%. I need to recruit Lando, Carmen and Paula on this one. We all want Khosi out. I need to deal with my man first. 

“Baby, the team has not had the best synergy for quite a while now. Things have changed. That is why Dikwe made the decision to trade some players for new ones to begin with. The mess in that team began when Dikwe married Khosi’s sister. He started fighting with Leruo and the animosity between those two has spread across the team like a very bad cancer. He has even threatened Leruo that he is on the exit list”, he says. 

“Dikwe is not going to trade his own son. Nobody is that pussy-whipped”, I say. 

“You wanna bet? Leruo didn’t even play today. Apparently, he is not even around,” he says. 

Paula did say that Leruo has been MIA for a week now. He has episodes where he does this then he comes back. I would ask about it but hey, now is not the time.  

Shack looks at me. 

“All I am saying is that Tee-le and Yaya are not the only problems that the NFR Legends have. This team just needs prayer and a slaughtering ceremony. He has called a meeting for tomorrow. Why don’t we wait to hear what he has to say, then we take it from there? I know you lost and it’s not nice. Askies love. Allow me to take care of you. I have run us a nice bubble bath upstairs. It will be followed by a massage on that nice massage bed-table thingy we bought and haven’t used. Then we can baptise our bed once again because the doctor has given me a thumbs up for hosting you in our sheets again”. 

“Hawu hawu hawu, sthandwa sami! How can you hide such news from me?” He says, playing around and already undressing me.

“I wanted it to be a surprise”. I say, giggling. 

“Congratulations, I am surprised!” He says. The rest you can figure out. All I will say is that my pussy is one hell of a weapon. Power to me!  

…

“Are we going to talk about why you are getting into fights and costing the team because of someone you have said you are over?” I ask him. 

“I really don’t want to talk at all”, he says to me. “I just want to drink and go to sleep”. 

“What’s going on, Yaya? What happened when you went to Mpumalanga? Since you came back nje, you have been so angry and distant”, I tell him. 

He is quiet. He downs a glass of whiskey and pours himself another glass. 

“Do you feel like you have made a mistake?” I ask him. 

“I said I don’t want to talk at all, Retshepile. I need to rest in preparation of tomorrow’s meeting with the big bosses. I think you should sleep at your apartment today”, he says. Is this person seriously kicking me out of his house? 

“You can’t rest and prepare for tomorrow’s meeting with me in the house?” I ask him. 

“I need some space, Tshepi. Please try to understand. I will see you tomorrow”. He says. 

I am so defeated. I just take my handbag and leave his place. I am not even sure if I can leave in the Golf 7, so I just take my Polo. 

… 

I get to my place about 15 minutes later. Our places are 15 minutes apart. I switch on my lights and close my curtains. I have not been here all week. The place is a bit dusty. I play some music and start cleaning my place. It is very therapeutic, I must admit. 

I finish cleaning within an hour and a half, then I start cooking myself a good meal. I am in the mood to spoil myself today and it is a good thing that I still have a fine bottle of dry red wine waiting on me to indulge in it. I make myself some good oxtail stew and order Nando’s garlic rolls. I dial my mother’s number. 

“Dumela mamaPhatsima”, she greets me. 

“Dumela mme. How are you?” me. 

“We are good, ngwanake. How is the big city treating you?” 

“I am getting used to it, mama. I just miss Phatsima. I really want her to come and live with me”. 

“What is her father saying about it?”

“He is just being difficult about it. Mama, I don’t want to be with Phathudi anymore”. I tell her. 

She is silent. 

“Mama?” I call out to her over the phone. 

“So, it is true”. She says. 

“What is true?” 

“That you are now dating that soccer player and that is why you no longer have time for Phathudi and Phatsima?” she says. 

Where the hell did she hear this from? 

“PapaPhatsima hired a P.I to follow you and find out what you get up to because you no longer come home”. My mom says to my surprise. 

“He did what?” Who the hell does Phathudi think he is? 

“There are pictures of you and that soccer player of yours. Most of the pictures even prove that you have moved in with him. What is wrong with you, Retshepile?” My mom is now yelling at me. 

“Mama, I am sure those pictures are taken out of context. There is a very good explanation for what is going on.” I try to explain. 

“Well, he came here and took Phatsima. He said we should tell you that if you even think about fighting him, he has more than enough proof to show that you are an unfit mother”. 

I hang up and catch my heart before it explodes out of my heart. Phathudi has no right to use my daughter to get back at me just because I do not want to be with him anymore. I am not sure how to deal with this, but phoning Phathudi is out of the question. I need to go back home and get my child back. 

Rofhiwa calls me. 

“Hi Rofhiwa”, I say as I answer her call. 

“You sound like you are crying. What’s wrong?” She says. 

“I just have some personal stuff going on that I need to resolve”. I tell her. 

“Does this have something to do with the PI that has been asking about you?” 

“Excuse me?” 

“There has been a man snooping around and asking questions about you. After he scheduled an appointment with me, I did some research. I learned that he is a PI.” Rofhiwa tells me. 

“I cannot believe this”, I stutter. 

“I take it you have an obsessive boyfriend who has come to learn about your relationship with Uyanda”, she says. 

“He is trying to take my child away from me”, I tell her. I am sobbing. 

“Dikwe is resolving the matter. He will get your child back to you by close of business tomorrow. Just say the word and he will pull the necessary trigger”, she says. 

“You would do that for me?” 

“You have earned a favour from us”. Rofhiwa tells me. I love working for powerful people. 

“I would really appreciate it if I could have my child back”. 

“Consider it done. For now, please prepare a press release and interview for me. Keep Khosi away from the media. She is already posting nonsense all over social media”. She says. 

“Okay, but what is the issue at hand?” I enquire. 

“I need you focused, Tshepi. I was actually expecting to hear these news from you. Tee-le has been in a severe car accident. He is currently in ICU. I need you to please contact his family and keep Khosi away from the media. If there is a way for her to stay away from social media as well, please explore it”. Rofhiwa says and hangs up.      

…

Tee-le has been in an accident. I had to tell the world because Tee-le means something to the whole world. The NFR Legends are trying to keep me away, but they will not win. 

They phoned Tee-le’s family and now the family is here and are treating me as if I am an insignificant part of Tee-le’s life. They are so horrible to me. I am so happy that Mandisa is here with me at the hospital so that she can deal with the Serame family. Tee-le’s family has requested that only his family can see him. I know they did that to specifically keep me away and shame, I’m not going anywhere! 

“We are very sorry if we have come across as disrespectful, mama. Khosi really loves your son and as you can understand, we are all very concerned about Tee-le. Surely mama will agree with me that keeping us away is a bit extreme”, Mandisa humbly says to Tee-le’s mother. 

“And who are you again?” Asks the rude Mrs Serame who has no recognition of other people at all. 

“She is the wife to the owner of Tee-le’s club”. I inform her. 

Mandisa just smiles at her and says, “I am Khosi’s sister, mama. My name is Mandisa.”

“You know Mandisa, I have asked Remoletile for months to bring me his girlfriend, so that I can meet her and get to know her better. He always refused and told me that she is not the one who will be my makoti. Now I understand why. This Khosi girl is not an adequate wife for a Serame man”. This bitch says. 

She is trying to hurt me, I just know it. Tee-le was trying to have children with me. Why would he want to have children with someone who was not the one for him? This woman is just being a bitch and she is probably the type of mother who believes that only she is good enough for her son. Sadly, she cannot marry him herself. 

“Mrs Mandisa”, Tee-le’s dad begins. 

Mandisa looks at him, acknowledging him. All the other team players and their WAGs are watching this show before them. I know they hate me, but now, I know for a fact that I am losing their respect. Damn Tee-le for not marrying me after all this time. Now he has given his family a platform to disrespect me in front of these bitches that are beneath me. My man is the vice-captain. I am above them on the charts. The only person who was above me is Thuli because Yaya is the captain. But she’s gone now.  

“As a wife, I am sure you understand why this is highly inappropriate. Khosi cannot disrespect herself this way by making herself Remoletile’s wife when we have not even appeared to your family or have shown no intent to do so. She is making it difficult for us to respect her. We understand that she is in a relationship with Remoletile, but she is not Remoletile’s wife and she is not family. We would really appreciate it if she would please respect us and give us some space.” 

I am so embarrassed. All of this is Tee-le’s fault. 

“We understand, baba”, Mandisa says. She always lets people do this to her. People continue to bully her because she always bows down to nonsense. 

Mandisa pulls me out of the hospital. I can feel the WAGs laughing at me. We leave the hospital and head to mine and Tee-le’s place. Mandisa promised that she would sleep over with me as I cannot be alone. I laze on the couch as Mandisa prepares us a meal to eat. 

As she finishes cooking, there is a knock on the door. I get the door. It is Tee-le’s family. 

“What are you doing here?” That would be Tee-le’s sister. 

“I live here”, I tell her. 

Tee-le’s mother pushes me out of the way and they all walk in. Mandisa runs to the door and she is also pushed out of the way. 

“Get out of my son’s house!” Tee-le’s mother. 

“I live here with your son. I am not going anywhere”. I say. 

“How much is the bond of this house?” Tee-le’s sister asks me. 

I am silent. I actually do not know. 

“This is not your house. Please leave”. Tee-le’s sister. 

I look at them. 

“Why are you treating me like this?” I ask them. 

“You do not deserve Remoletile. We hope that when he wakes up, he lets you go. We don’t ever want to see you again.” Tee-le’s sister says. 

“And wena ngwanyana, Please! Stop posting about my child on that social media of yours. This is a private matter and we do not appreciate you exposing this private matter to the world. If I ever hear that you busy posting about my son again, you will know me!” Tee-le’s mother says to me. 

Who do these people think they are? 

“Now get out of my son’s house and please just stay away! We need to save our son’s heart because we know what you did to Sizwe. I will make sure that we are there for him when you leave him because of this accident and most importantly, you will take exactly what you came into this relationship with – NOTHING!” 

Mandisa comforts me and leads me out of the house. We end up spending the night at her place.