Extreme, wacky, some might say crazy and thrilling; the name of the game is Fireball Soccer. Students in Indonesia decided to turn up the heat on the classic game of soccer by adding an extra special element to it: fire. Although the rules of the game stay the same in Fireball Soccer, the ball is replaced by a flaming coconut.
Being such a dangerous game, pre-game rituals are vital to the success and well being of the players. The coconut can be soaked in kerosene for as few as 30 minutes, though some are soaked for an entire week to achieve a more vivid fireball effect. The coconuts are also rubbed and coated with salt and non-flammable spices, so they are at least semi-protected from the “ball.”
The players fast before the game, believing that overcoming such a challenge will make them braver and thus allow them to play the game better. The people spectating the game show immense bravery as well, as the ball has the potential to light both the ground and the spectators on fire.
Soccer is cool, fire is cool, and combining the two is the coolest. So next time you’re in Indonesia, be sure to check out this wacky sport, and make sure you take me with you.