The underdog

Siya does everything he can to prepare for his interview, but he fears his lack of qualifications might hold him back

- ZITHULELE SIBANYONI

SIYA had just jumped out of the bath when his alarm went off. He whistled the chorus of one of his favourite songs in celebration – he’d always believed rising before your alarm was an indication of success and therefore something to be excited about.

He wrapped a towel around his body and walked into the living room. He switched the radio on and the same favourite song was playing. This had to be a good omen.

He called Jigga, his best friend, who also shared a love for the song.

They discussed the coincidence and both decided it was a great way to start off the day. Jigga was convinced that if a song he liked was playing when he left for an important event, it could only bode well.

In the taxi, Siya tried to look through his notes as fellow passengers went about their business. One woman seemed to be upset with one of her customers. “I want my money!” she yelled down her phone. “This is Tupperware we are talking about, not some fong-kong supermarket dishware. You want the finer things in life, you’ve got to pay!”

Someone else screamed, “Change for four at the back, driver!”

Siya readjusted his headphones to shut out any more haggling and insults. Music was playing off his phone at full volume but all he could hear was the interviewer’s voice.

“Tell me about a situation where you felt you were not in control. What did you do?”

“What would you say are your strong points, and why?”

He hoped the answers he’d rehearsed would suffice.

THE receptionist welcomed him on arrival. He recognised her voice from when they’d spoken on the phone.