Mount Druitt Town Rangers’ crafty attacker Toufic Alameddine was to the point when he said what he missed most about our beautiful game as the NSW football public awaits to hear the hopeful news of the game recommencing soon.
“That winning feeling for sure is something I am definitely missing.
“It’s a great moment winning a match for your club and teammates and seeing the smiles on their faces after getting three points home or away.
“I also miss just getting onto the pitch on a weekend and having a good performance.”
During the holy month of Ramadan, Alameddine, a devout Muslim, has had plenty to think about as the world itself transitions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asked what the holy month meant to the talented star, Alameddine replied.
“God says in the Quran that fasting has been prescribed upon us like it was prescribed upon the people before us so that we may increase in piety.
“Ramadan is kind of like a boot camp for the soul!
“Abstaining from food is one thing, but as Muslims, we also increase in worship and prayer throughout Ramadan, and although we are all sinners, we put more effort in abstaining from sin in this month.”
The 25-year-old has been busy away from football running his family business, Hala Constructions mastering in excavation, one of the many businesses that has thrived during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Thankfully I work in construction, so my work hasn’t been affected.
“If anything, it probably has gotten busier over the past month.
“Although not having the responsibility of going to training and games has been a big change for me, I’m not used to having so much free time after work, which has taken me some time to adapt to.
“My whole life has consisted of me going from work or school to the training grounds, for the time being, its everything minus football.”
Focusing on ensuring his work commitments come first, Alameddine was upfront when asked if he kept himself ticking over fitness wise during the sudden break.
“To be honest I haven’t touched a ball since the last training session I had with Mount Druitt which was just before the news came that the football season was set to be temporarily suspended.
“I’ve trained 2-3 times going for runs since the lockdown but at the moment, I don’t believe the season will resume this year, I hope I’m wrong though as I miss playing football.
“To get to that level and playing once more my message to the footballing community is be safe, be strong and take the advice of the experts when they advise us to keep a safe distance and uphold good hygiene.
“Also take this time that you have in isolation to bond with your family members.
“Unfortunately nowadays, everyone is caught up on their phones and computers or televisions that people have forgotten how to socialise.”
Let’s hope we can watch Alameddine and co at Popondetta Park and the rest of the football family playing the game they love within the next few months.
