Indian adventure thrills Steve Hayes

South Coast Wolves midfielder Steve Hayes is hoping he can get a hold of the Dalai Lama to bless his new team after meeting the Buddhist leader.
Hayes played for Indian team United Sikkim in the I-League before returning to the Wolves midway through the IGA National Premier Leagues NSW mens 1 competition.
As his team struggled in the league the Dalai Lama contacted his club to meet the players.
“Where we were living was up near Nepal which was pretty close to where the Dalai Lama lives,’’ Hayes said.
“He heard about the results and what was happening and got in touch with some people at the club.
“He came down, signed one of the jerseys and blessed it. I don’t know whether that helped too much but it was pretty amazing to be a part of.
“We looked up into the stands and we had between 3000 and 4000 monks cheering for us – which was those who hadn’t taken the code of silence obviously.
“Maybe we can get him to come and bless the Wolves, I’ll try get a hold of him.’’
Meeting the Dalai Lama was one of several interesting experiences for Hayes in his Indian adventure.
Several Australian players have called the I-League home in recent years including Tolgay Ozbey and Matthew Mayora.
But Hayes admits it would be difficult for most Australians in India.
“In terms of level of football I think players at this level will be fine,’’ he said.
“But in terms of living there it would be a different story.
“Coping with where you are living, what you have to put up with, eating different food.
“That is the hardest part especially for a foreign player let alone an Aussie boy.
“It is an experience that opens your eyes to the world of football I suppose and what else is out there and how things work in another country.
“They are a third world country and developing nation. There is a lot of money in sport so slowly but surely their footballing organisation is gaining a lot more power and they are getting a lot more infrastructures there and bringing a lot more quality players in the league.
“I think in a few years I wouldn’t be surprised if it is not a place people are going over to.’’
The 2011 IGA National Premier Leagues NSW mens 1 player of the year is now loving life back in Wollongong.
Despite the Wolves lingering in the bottom half of the table Hayes is aiming to be a role model for a good crop of youngsters coming through the club.
“Wollongong is home for me, I love the city and love surfing heaps and that is something that I missed,’’ he said.
“I am just trying to keep fit and bring up some of the younger boys and guide them in the right path.
“Lloydy and his coaching team is trying to do everything they can to steer the club in the right direction and they are doing a great job.
“They don’t have as many of the budget that other clubs do so they are doing three to four jobs themselves and it can only get better.’’
-By Chris Georges