Kyah Simon: Blog Entry #4
Hey Guys,
Picking up where we left off last month, where it was weeks before The Matildas were heading off for the Cyprus Cup. The team is definitely in a transitional developing stage, with Hesterine coming on board as new coach just last year, she’s giving new blood the opportunity to prove themselves on the world stage which is great. I spoke to a few of the girls to get a feel for how they found the tour, being in a new country you never know what to expect and how much adjustment is required. Unfortunately it wasn’t the most successful trip having finished 7th in the Cup, though in saying that every international match played is a unique experience in itself, competing against the best players and countries in the world, matching your talent against theirs, culture differences and so much more.
Here are the results for the Cup:
Holland 2-2
France 3-2 (loss)
Scotland 4-2 (loss)
Italy 2-5 (Win)
All in all having the opportunity for the first time ever to play in the Cyprus Cup is awesome. We have always lacked the chance to play many international games throughout the year, where as by being apart of different cups/internationals it allows us to play more football together all year round. The next commitment is the very exciting announcement of two friend games against Brazil in QLD next month. A powerhouse footballing country coming on our home soil is great for the exposure of Women’s football in Australia and I can’t wait for the games.
As for my personal progress, I’m post op 5 months with 7 to go. I’ve hit a few bumps over the past couple of months with my knee having trouble handling the strengthening load and a lot of the time it’s a bit of trial and error with what’s not enough an what’s too much, so feeling the water is my best indication. I’m hoping to start running in the next couple of weeks and I’m itching to get my legs moving again. Had a few rough days recently with really missing training, playing, fitness, kicking a ball and just being able to run around and do what is my life. It’s almost half way and it’s going to take persistence and a strong mind to push me through it, I’m very much so ready for the challenge and journey along the way and I will be keeping you guys up to date, especially when my rehab becomes a little more exciting then just being in the gym 5x a week.