Kyah Simon: Blog Entry #6
The Asian Cup 2014 is here, the girls kicked off their campaign the other night against the World Champions Japan, ending up drawing the game. They did however play a solid first half but unfortunately let the Japanese back in the game with two second half goals, one being a defensive error (own goal) with the other being somewhat nice play to get past our defense. The tournament is being played in the humid hot city of Ho Chi Minh City, tough conditions to play in but the girls have definitely had their fair share of experience in a variety of different Asian countries, given we’re part of the Asia Pacific qualifications, almost every tournament we have is somewhere over there. Non-the less the girls have held their own going into the second match against Jordan, winning 3-1. They have their next face off against Vietnam tonight (Sunday 18th May). Given they get a good result, it’ll put them in good stead for the finals.
I was able to only just watch the first game, but I couldn’t bear to watch the Jordan game and can’t bring myself to watching anymore matches unfortunately, it seems all too emotional and punishing as much as I want to give my all to support the girls, I tend to beat myself up knowing I should be there! This week and for the duration of the Asian Cup campaign has been the first time it’s hit me pretty hard not being able to play.
Also with my own individual set backs with my knee progression, still not being able to run having had a cortisone injection 10 days ago has meant to have settled and brought down the irritation under my kneecap, BUT I’m still waiting for the affect to kick in. I’m itching at the seems to start running, and with this continuous set back prolonging it’s really making it difficult to stay focused, BUT these are the challenges I prepared myself for and need to keep persisting and stay focused and motivated. It’s what’s going to make coming back so much better, knowing I had these ups and downs.
In saying this, other aspects of my life are going great! I had the opportunity to run the NSR Darwin trials earlier this month and the level of talent the kids possessed was great, something that blew my mind even more were their attitudes. I had half the kids come up on a 18 Hr bus ride from Alice Springs, to then bust their butts for an hr to showcase their talent, not once did any of them complain but simply put their heads down and did all they could to justify their footballing skills. It really did make the trip worthwhile, and I’m very appreciative of the respect the kids showed me whilst I visited, along with witnessing some true raw talent.
What’s in store for me: I’m still expending my energy in the gym 6x a week (Gym junkie the girls call me). I’m hoping to sustain a full time role as a Financial Para planner with BT Finance company, currently still completing my Business degree and have filled some of that time in with some 1v1 coaching with some of the young girls from my area. I can’t complain other than not being able to play the game I love, so all fingers and toes crossed that I can start running shortly, and I’ll be back better than ever come OCTOBER 29TH 2014!
Kyah xx