We recently caught up with City midfielder and Hamtramck High School assistant coach George Chomakov ahead of Hamtramck’s regular season match v. Cass Tech on Wednesday, September 21. Kickoff is at 7 PM ET at Keyworth Stadium. Admission is $5.
1) How is your team doing so far this season?
GC: We are doing great. We had a talk with the athletic director last year to make our schedule really tough and he made it happen. It is great for the kids to be playing against high level opposition instead of just winning every game by 5-6 goals. We are currently 4-1-1.
2) Who are the players to look out for on Wednesday?
GC: It is really hard to name only a few; we have a great team overall. Everybody works hard for each other, and that is what makes us good. We never have to rely on one person. We have many weapons in the attacking side of the game, but also a great balance defensively.
3) How has Hamtramck done against Cass Tech in the past?
GC: Games have always been tough in the past few years. Earlier in the season, we managed to beat them by 8-0, so I expect them to come out strong and motivated to play against us, especially in front of such a great crowd.
4) How long have you been coaching the Cosmos?
GC: I have been a coach at Hamtramck High School for the past 3 years.
5) What’s the best part about coaching Hamtramck?
GC: The best part about being a coach at Hamtramck High School is the kids. They are such passionate and humble kids. They deserve a lot more recognition than they have received so far. I want to do my best to help them achieve their goals and dreams.
6) What’s your official position with the team?
GC: I am the assistant coach of the varsity soccer team.
7) What does it mean to have City supporters come out and cheer you and your high school players on?
GC: It is truly amazing. I am lucky enough to have experienced them cheering for me during Detroit City games and they still amaze me to this day. It is a privilege for us to have them come out and cheer us on. It is something very special when people take time out of their busy lives to come out and cheer for us. I am forever grateful to them.
8) With your special connection, what was it like playing at Keyworth all summer for DCFC?
GC: Keyworth is a very special place. I became the coach of the Cosmos, and a year later it was in the news that DCFC will be making that our new home. Playing at Keyworth all summer was amazing as I was already attached to the Hamtramck community and playing there, in front of them, made it even more special.
9) In a few sentences, what’s your coaching philosophy?
GC: The way I like to play as a player and as a coach is the same: I want to create a one for all and all for one playing culture. Nobody on my team deserves more credit than the other, and I want everybody to be doing their best and working as hard as they can for the teammate next to them – you just have to put everything on line. I never want my players to be able to think they could’ve given more after a game. I want it all left on the field. When we lose the ball, we will try to win it back as soon as possible. And once we do, I want my players to enjoy themselves on the ball and be stress-free while making combinations with 1-2 touch passing.
10) What’s one piece of advice you give to your players?
GC: The one piece of advice I give to all my players is to never give up, not just on the field but off the field. Sometimes life will get you down and it may seem like you do not have the strength to keep going but you just have to believe in yourself and keep moving forward. I never want to see my players give up on the field. From the first whistle until the last, we will keep on fighting.