Rob Jonovski thought his biggest concern heading into 2020 would be preparing Corrimal for their Illawarra Premier League title defence.
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With the likes of recruits Mark Bridge and Rick Goodchild, plus striker Van Elia among their ranks, the Rangers coach was optimistic about his side's prospects.
Instead, he has been left with a series of short and long-term headaches caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 IPL season was set to get under way on March 20. However, Football Federation Australia has suspended all games and group training sessions for the foreseeable future.
That decision is set to be reviewed in mid-April.
While Jonovski is worried about the financial implications for IPL clubs, his immediate concerns are for the welfare of several of Corrimal's imports.
New Zealand-born Elia lives and works in Sydney. However, Jonovski isn't sure what will happen next for Japanese duo Kenta Fujishiro and Taira Yoshimura who have been left without match payments after the IPL season was suspended.
"There's a bit of anxiety there with them," he said.
"They understand the circumstances. I'm trying to get tax file numbers organised, sorting out resumes and applying for jobs. They expected to get match payments - that hasn't eventuated. Taira has been here since January and has spent a couple hundred dollars each week on rent. It's a bit concerning.
"These guys are absolute quality, they could play in the NPL1 or maybe beyond that. But the problem is they have no income at the moment. The club will help them out as much as possible."
The Rangers had spent the off season preparing to defend their 2019 crown. Corrimal secured the IPL premiership following a 2-1 victory over Wollongong Olympic last September.
With his players keen to take the field, Jonovski said there was a feeling of "anger and confusion" within the playing group after the initial FFA announcement. The Rangers have now accepted the decision to suspend play.
"All the boys stay in touch through a group chat. They're all keen to play, but we know the Football Federation will come out with a statement soon and realistically push play back again," he said.
"But what happens with the season? They're talking about, best case scenario, just playing half a season. But it's a mess. There's the financial ramifications of it all. A lot of restaurants sponsor clubs, but they're not making money.
"We don't know what's happening. All the clubs had a massive pre-season, a big off season to prepare. We were ready to go, I have a top team here. I was very optimistic about my squad this year. Now, where's the light at the end of the tunnel?
"No-one knows anything, everyone's just waiting. There's just confusion."
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