‘Choc’ remains upbeat in tough times
In what’s been a shock to the system to everyone affected due to COVID-19 as everyday life has changed for all, National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s personalities such as Manly United’s Brendan Cholakian have remained positive by keeping fit and healthy.
With so many players in the NPL shaken up by losing jobs, Cholakian has been blessed that its been business as usual for him and his wife albeit at home.
“COVID-19 has obviously impacted so many people across the globe already.
“I honestly feel blessed that I am still able to work (Client Engagement Consultant for Complispace) from home and I am in a better position than some others.
“The bit I am missing the most is football really.”
With football setting an April 14th deadline across the nation, Cholakian has been busily training on his own ensuring whenever the next game commences, he’d be ready to go.
“Since football lockdown, I’ve just been trying to keep myself ticking over and staying fit.
“All the staff at Manly United have made this easier for us lads by putting together some personal programs to try and keep us working hard and maintaining the fitness levels we have built up so far.
“It’s always hard to maintain my usual fitness routine when gyms are closed and no team trainings, but I have just been trying to do what I can by going back to basics.
“Getting down to the park with a bag of balls and just working on technique and working on getting kilometres into the legs, trying to keep the ball involved as much as possible.
“It’s not easy, there is no better feeling than being competitive at training with teammates and playing games but this is just the situation at the moment.”
Having developed as a cult hero status at Cromer Park up at the Northern Beaches, Cholakian pleaded with the public to remain positive in these tough times ahead.
“My message would be to the NPL NSW football public to take this seriously.
“Yes it sucks not having NPL Football on each week but hopefully if we can lock this down quickly, it will mean we can get back out onto the pitch sooner rather than later.
“I just miss being with the lads at training, competing and working hard in training with them.
“The change rooms and the amount of banter we sling at each other, it’s something you can sometimes take for granted, but in situations like this, you realise your team are like your brothers..
“I also just miss match-day.
“There is no better feeling than walking out onto the pitch each weekend and going to battle for three points.
“Its something I desperately need in my life as I am keen to get back out there as soon as possible.”
Here here Brendan, we all feel your pain.
Cholakian has been busy hitting crossbars at his local park as shown below, something he hopes not to do when the games kick off once more with the ball hitting the back of the net.
