The scoreboard says it plain: PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY. PROMISES FC vs DELIVERY UNITED. STILL 0-0.
Promises FC takes the field in fresh kit, same mission. NEW KIT. SAME MISSION! one player calls out, jogging in like he’s never lost a match. THE PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER reads the billboard behind him - the same billboard that’s been up four election cycles. WHICH SIDE I SUPPOSED TO CALL? mutters another teammate, looking back at the crowd.
Delivery United stands across the centre line, arms folded, certain as ever. THIS TIME WE WILL DELIVER! says the captain, pointing at his chest. TRUST US. FOR REAL THIS TIME! agrees his colleague, hand raised in solemn vow.
The referee stares at the scoreboard with a question mark above his head. WE HEAR EVERYTHING reads the small sign at his feet - which is half the problem.
In the centre circle, a battered football marked PUBLIC EXPECTATION sits alone in the dirt. On the sidelines, two campaign signs do their work. TACTICS: Big Promises. Nice Speeches. Photo Ops. Rebranding. GAME PLAN: Win Votes. Get In Power. Explain Later.
From the crowd: ENOUGH TALK. SHOW US RESULTS.
At the bottom of the field, the truth in plain text: TALK PLENTY. PLAY LITTLE. THE SEASON CONTINUES.