Welcome to another exciting weekend of SPORTANEOUS, where we explore the world of unusual sports. Today, we delve into the unique and fascinating game of Fireball Soccer, also known as Sepak Bola Api, played by Indonesian students to welcome the month of Ramadan.
FIREBALL SOCCER
Fireball Soccer is a variation of the popular sport of football (soccer), with one significant twist – the ball is on fire! The game is a test of courage for students in the East Java region of Indonesia and is celebrated in several areas, including Yogyakarta, Bogor, Tasikmalaya, and Papua.
To play Fireball Soccer, the ball is made from a coconut shell soaked in kerosene, with some sources claiming that the ball is bathed for a week, while others suggest that 30 minutes is sufficient to keep the fire burning throughout the game. Before the match, players follow a set of rituals, including fasting for 21 days, reciting special prayers, and avoiding foods cooked with fire or containing elements of life.
The pre-game rituals are crucial for the players, as they not only help to prepare them physically but also train their spirit to make them impervious to fire. The players bathe the coconut ball in petroleum or kerosene and light it on fire, then soak themselves in salt and non-flammable spices before starting the game.
During the match, two teams of eleven players each kick the flaming ball and aim to score the opposing goal. Playing barefoot and with a flaming ball, the game is undoubtedly more challenging than regular football.
In conclusion, Sepak Bola Api, or Fireball Soccer, is a unique and extreme sport that tests the courage and skill of Indonesian students. With its pre-game rituals, flaming ball, and barefoot players, it is a spectacle that is impressive.
