“PLATO FEMININ: MOST FORMIDABLE FEMALE TEAM IN UI”, DECLARES TAMAR, AHEAD OF THE MAIDEN FEMALE SEALS CUP.
By Anu
Tears and consolatory hugs were the order of the hour amongst the Plato feminine players of Philosophy when it dawned on them they’d lost the semi-final dean’s cup tie against the depth of CLA. They looked on in despair as CLA players celebrated and the realization that the goal of winning the Dean’s Cup had slipped from their grasp made the tears flow like a downstream river. All the hard work and preparation; gone. However, they sucked it up, picked themselves up, went into the third-place tie with renewed vigor, won the match, and settled for bronze- The first medal the team has won in over 5 years. That was all last session and to any keen observer, the team was far from done as there was this insatiable hunger in their eyes.
Now, with renewed enthusiasm, more determination than ever, and anger of a wounded lion, Plato Feminine set its sights on winning not just one but four different competitions this session; SEALS Cup, Super Four, Sigma Cup, and Deans Cup.
With the Maiden Female SEALS CUP just around the corner, NAPS Press representative held an exclusive interview with Tamar, the team’s ever vibrant Captain, where she shared insights into the Team’s aspirations and goals, Preparations, what to expect from the team and the drive that fuels their ambition to win, and also be regarded as one of, scratch that, THE most formidable team in UI.
Reflecting on how the team fared last session, she claimed it to be a rollercoaster of emotions. “It (Achieving third place) felt satisfying and heartbreaking. We put in so much hard work…The goal was gold…However, in retrospect, winning 3rd place in the competition didn't come easy and it definitely helped to etch our names...as one of the most formidable female football teams in UI.”, she stated. Her proudest moment from last session was the team’s consistency throughout that saw them win “...All the matches (friendly and competitive matches) we played, and the only time we lost a game was on penalty shootout”
This resilience and consistency is the Philosophy of Plato feminine as they’ve been training in Ernest every week since the beginning of the semester in preparation for the SEALS Cup and subsequent competitions. These training sessions, rigorous as they are, are designed to build not just physical strength and tactics but also mental fortitude. “We've had a series of training sessions to build our stamina and we've gone over basic drills that will be helpful in the coming weeks. We've also played some friendly matches put together by our Coach(Papi) to ensure that everything we learn during trainings are being put to practice. The friendly matches also serve as some sort of confidence booster as we prepare for the real deal,” Tamar explained. The training sessions must be paying off as they’ve achieved positive results in the friendlies they’ve played so far; Won 2- 1 against departments of Statistics and History and played a 2-2 draw against KHE. The team looks physically and mentally well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Tamar emphasized that “while it may sound cliché”. The team’s goal, aim, and aspirations- as well as hers personally- for this session is to “win Gold in all the competitions we’ll be participating in… and also settle it once and for all the department of philosophy has one of the strongest female team in UI”. While that may seem far-fetched now, it is however achievable with the right discipline and effort and one can only hope they achieve it. The team faces a challenging season ahead, with four competitions lined up compared to just one last session. Tamar acknowledged the increased bulkiness and workload but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to manage it. She believes that the team “engaging in everything we know about having team spirit, remembering and applying everything we’ve learned in training, courage, discipline and staying strong-willed even when the odds are stacked against us” will be crucial for the team to succeed in these competitions and achieve its goals.
Talking enthusiastically about the team’s progress over the years and what she envisions the team will be like in coming years, Tamar went on to say “When I joined, the team wasn’t anything glamorous or anywhere near where they are right now but with the persistence, determination and help of our former coach, IYANU, and the commitment of all members of the team, we got so much better. Our story is proof that many things are achievable when the right amount of effort is deployed. I see a team that will make history… if things continue that way, then Plato Feminine will grow stronger and remain formidable.” This being her final year in the team, Tamar hopes to leave a legacy that elevates the perception of female football in UI. She aims for her team to be remembered not just for their victories but for raising the standards of the sport within the university, “Female football (in UI) is likened to a ‘comedy show’ …I hope to leave UI knowing that myself and members of this team took female football a notch higher. A legacy that will be unforgettable for years to come,” She stated.
When asked about standout players in the team, Tamar was confident in the entire squad as “…the team has one of the most complete squads when it comes to talent and skills…I'd say, look out for everyone.”
Tamar's message to the department and fans was one of gratitude and a rallying call for continued support. She likened it to a parent showing up for a child’s presentation or a friend attending an audition. “Thank you for last session! Knowing that you have people cheering you on and saying silent prayers for you makes things a tad bit easier…Show up for us and we’ll do our best to keep making you proud,” she said. The team’s coach, Papi, also charged the fans to come out in droves to “come enjoy watching us win and prove the department’s superiority in all things football (in UI)”.
With such passion, determination, and dedication spurring the team on, it’s clear that Plato Feminine is ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
As the maiden Female SEALS CUP begins this week, all eyes will be on this formidable team to see if they can indeed win the competition(s) as is their goal, prove themselves as the most formidable team in UI, elevate female football in UI, and etch their names and exploits in the history of football in UI. The big unknown, if Tamar can lead this team full of talents to achieve its goals, will be revealed in time.
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