The Major’s back in town
The rumours are true, former Blacktown City star Travis Major is back home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fresh from his four year journey playing in the top league in Hong Kong with Pegasus FC and more recently KC Southern, the 30-year-old is busily preparing on his next football destination.
Many National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s fans are hoping Major will don the famous Black kit of Blacktown City once more, but it seems the attacker has his sights set on continuing his career abroad.
“At the moment, it’s still a possibility to return to play in Hong Kong but right now I’m exploring all other options in other leagues, it may be time to start a new challenge in a new country.
“As of now due to COVID-19, KC Southern and I came to an agreement to buy out the remainder of my contract so that I could return home to do my 14-day quarantine.
“The club would’ve liked to have renewed my contract again but because of the COVID-19 pandemic then the protests in the country, the businesses took a hit and we weren’t able to agree upon a deal.”
Major quite simply was a massive hit in the Hong Kong Premier League ever since he made the move in 2016.
His stats speak for itself, 51 goals in 84 matches and was also top scorer in the 2017/18 season, its little wonder KC Southern wanted to resign the ace marksman.
Asked what the standard of the competition was like, Major stated to Football NSW.
“The league overall has been very good to me, it gave me the chance to be part of a full-time football environment again and as a centre forward most games I’d be marked by a foreign centre back which made it a good battle.”
As a country, Major grew fond of one of the busiest hot-spots in Asia which was why events such as the ugly protests that gripped the streets due to rising tensions with China upset the Aussie.
“It was quite sad to see these protests just because Hong Kong has became a second home to me so to see the whole country affected and so passionate about something like that was crazy.
“I got quite lucky in the sense that where I lived, nothing directly affected my surroundings but it definitely became hard in terms of transport and we even had a game cancelled because there was scheduled protests around where our match was supposed to be held.”
Like so many Australian footballers, COVID-19 had a huge affect on their careers, Major’s was no different as he fled Hong Kong early to be with his loved ones.
He also followed strict orders via the Australian Government where he was quarantined for 14 days before he was allowed to see his family and friends.
“Personally I think I’m just like everyone else in football, it obviously brought a halt to games in Hong Kong.
“We then played some games behind closed doors which was a strange experience but then the league ended up being suspended completely and the remaining 8-10 games of the season are due to be finished towards the end of 2020.
“I got lucky during my quarantine staying at the Novotel Darling Harbour in a nice big room with water views so that helped.
“I was able to order Uber Eats and things like that so I didn’t find it too bad but there were some days I did go a little stir crazy not being able to have any fresh air but you try to make the best of the situation and stay busy where you can.”
Now back at his old stomping ground temporarily, Major has continued to train as well as work-out albeit with the help of his girlfriend.
“We’ve got a little gym setup at my girlfriend’s house happening so we do a weight session out there everyday and then in the evening I go for a 5-7km run – I’m just trying to stay fit so I don’t need to get fit whenever my pre-season rolls around.”
The heavily inked star remained up to date with the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition especially following the progress of his beloved Blacktown City whilst in Hong Kong watching live matches and replays.
He was impressed with the way Mark Crittenden’s men were traveling prior to the break as well as the scoring feats of club skipper Matt Lewis.
“I was following every match and stayed up to date with all the ins and outs of the club as I am close with Critto so we had chats about how it was all going as well as being able to stream each match while I was overseas.
“Also, when I’d come back from my season in Hong Kong, the NPL NSW Men’s league would be on, I’d always go down and visit the boys, training with them as well as watching their matches.
“I’ve spoken with Matty Lewis a couple times about him being top of the scorers charts for the club having a laugh with him, but in all fairness four games in he’s got four, he’s led the team to a great start and he’d be up there in the Player of the Year points as of now so whatever he’s doing its working.”
Known for always giving his all on the pitch, Major is certainly missing the round ball game, but it’s the lack of competition he’s felt has had the most impact on him.
“Obviously everyone loves being around the boys which I do too but what I miss most is the competition.
“I love competing in anything and hate to lose so to not have that at the moment is tough and I’m looking for any excuse to compete.”
