Exploration vs WADS

Lordy - I'm sure after my flurry of holiday posts that all of you have forgotten that I am actually working in deepest, darkest Africa. Well, that's the other reality these days, and try as I might, I just couldn't avoid getting involved in a bit of a - wait for it - sporting activity!

That's right folks, to release a bit of tension over the difficulties of drilling in the tropical southeastern corner of Mali as the rainy season sets in, Exploration decided to challenge WADS (West African Drilling) to a soccer match. We all downed tools on a Saturday afternoon and headed down to the world-class pitch in Fourou to see who would be victorious, and I have to say, we drew a much larger crowd than we imagined and witnessed some rather outstanding sporting talent.

And so it began ...


Team Exploration

Our team looking fit, healthy and ready to face ...


Team WADS

... our very impressive looking opponents! (Check out the jelly shoes, de riguer pour faire du sport.)

I managed to convince Marcus - A1 Syama events manager - that I would be best employed as official photographer - seeing that I have an extreme aversion to running at the best of times, not to mention that the only footwear I had was my pair of steel-capped boots, and the guys weren't too keen on risking their limbs to my inept on-field stumblings. (Okay, so maybe I could have found some other footwear, but, well, you know ...)

The crowd gathered ...


Fourou spectators

And proceedings commenced!


First half play

I'm pretty sure Mr Beckham doesn't have to share his limelight with a chook, didn't phase these players for an instant.


Action replay



Our two shortest players - Ali and Tom


Action on the field


Classy referee

And how many international league referees wear a suit on the field? Clearly, Malian soccer is a cut above those so-called professionals!



... and again ...


... and again!

You all need to be impressed with these men - I was struggling to keep my sense of humour together on a 26 degree day with 87% humidity, just standing around. So it's no wonder that after 40 mins on the pitch everyone was mildly exhausted.


WADS chills at half-time


Half-time for Exploration


Good job!

Man of the match, Seriba thanks Tom for some quality on-field style.


The rainbow over Syama

... is that a pot of gold I see? And the outcome? Exploration stole the match 2-1 over WADS, and everyone finished a champion.


Dao!