Players "on call"

The cell phone is always present at GAK training

Michael Cheukoua (center) shows it off: He wants to play in the top league with GAK.(Bild: Sepp Pail)

GAK face Sturm II in Wr. Neustadt on Sunday morning. Three points are firmly planned for the leaders. But it remains to be seen whether Michael Cheukoua can help. Because if his phone rings, the Cameroonian will immediately be in the car to Germany. For one good reason.

Everything is going according to plan in sporting terms! GAK picked up seven points in the first three spring rounds and have a comfortable lead over their rivals. Michael Cheukoua is also partly responsible for this at the top of the table. The 27-year-old striker scored against both Amstetten and Vienna. Against the traditional club in the last second to make it 2:2. "An important goal, but I would have preferred three points."

In Amstetten, he made it 1-0 after three minutes.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Most recently, the skilled striker (six goals this season) has been playing in the position of playmaker. "If the coach says I can help there, then I'll do it. The team is the most important thing. It's worked well so far," says the Cameroonian with satisfaction. The forward line is very crowded, as three attackers - Cheukoua, Daniel Maderner and Lenn Jastremski - are in great form. "You have to step on the gas in training, push yourself to the limit. Then the coach has to decide."

The birth date is approaching
However, Cheukoua is currently on pins and needles. Because his wife is due on March 15. "I'm already nervous, the birth of your first child is something very special, it only happens once in a lifetime," beams the offensive man. That's why his cell phone is always within earshot. During training, it's with the coaching team. "I can switch off well on the pitch. But when she calls, I get in the car and drive off." And that's still a five-hour drive, because his better half lives and studies in Regensburg. 

The 27-year-old striker is happily expecting his first child.(Bild: Michael Cheukoua)

The small derby against Sturm II awaits on Sunday, three points are firmly planned for the leaders. And when the time comes? "My wife is the boss. If she says I have to come, then I do," laughs Cheukoua, who travels to Germany to see her as often as possible. "It's hard not always being with her. But we sometimes video call half the night, so I can still be there for her as much as possible."