Rising East sports met second year student and East London Phoenix running back, Norbert Laslo, to talk about the frustration of not being able to train due to the coronavirus.
Laslo also spoke on how the virus has affected the players with not being able to train until further notice.
Obviously, we’re all living though a very bizarre time in our lives at the moment. How has coronavirus affected you as a team this season?
“It feels like an extra disadvantage and it’s something we can’t do nothing about. It’s almost the same as injuries, there’s nothing you [can] do anything about.
“It just means that we can no longer play this season.”
East London only managed to register two games this season as the Covid-19 pandemic put a hold on all sporting events for the foreseeable future.
With the last game being played against Canterbury University in December 2019, Laslo mentioned how the team was looking forward to a good season.
Before the outbreak started, what expectations did you have as a team for this season?
“We were looking forward to a really good season and what I had part in that was the first two games where we were really successful and one of the games, I played a big part in the offence and I got injured.
“Sadly, even without coronavirus disruption, which has cancelled all of our games, it has been a really frustrating experience.”
What looked to be a promising campaign after having a good source of recruitment of players, ended up being one to forget as the lack of playing time as a team means that the team have to start from scratch next season.
Laslo also spoke about an injury he picked up in one of these games which has kept him on the side lines for several months.
You’ve been unfortunate to pick up an injury. How has your injury affected you?
“Injuries are something that a lot of American football players experience, but you don’t really think that it’s something that’s going to happen to you until it does.
“People just kept dropping out as well. Like, some of our best players have dropped out this year because of injuries and, to be honest, even without these disruptions, we wouldn’t have had a good season because of this.”
Like we’ve seen in all sporting events, the virus has stopped any further sporting events from going ahead. What are your thoughts on the whole coronavirus situation?
“With coronavirus, we’re not allowed to meet in groups more than five.
“So, if we can’t do that, we can’t have strategy sessions, we can’t have training, we can’t even go to the pub together as a group because it’s dangerous.”
With the university providing more funding to the programme, there’s plenty to look forward to next season as new branding and kit means that players next season will have better equipment in preparations.
Despite the disappointing season, Laslo feels confident that East London Phoenix can take it all back next year with many promising steps being taken by the university.
The recruitment this season means that more promising players can follow through next season in order for the team to do well.
Are you looking forward to next season? What can we look expect for next year?
“Next season is probably were we can get everything back.
“A lot of long term injuries will be back by then. We’re also anticipating a pretty good turnout of recruitment as well because we’re going to have more funding.
