AUCKLAND – New Thai Airways All Whites Captain Ben Sigmund says his long road back to the national team makes him appreciate the “special bonus” of the armband even more.

The Wellington Phoenix defender will lead a relatively inexperienced All Whites side out at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on Wednesday, as New Zealand complete its already-successful Oceania Nations Cup campaign against Fiji, but it’s a far cry from a year 18 months ago when Sigmund trying to force his way into the squad.

Sigmund (27) wandered in the international wilderness for seven years after making his debut as a substitute against Oman in 2000, before winning a recall in a 2-2 against Wales last May.

The centre-back hasn’t looked back since that lifeline, putting in a breakthrough performance in Wrexham and now, with his international comeback complete, Sigmund’s eighth cap will be as captain.

“I did go a funny road but I think I appreciate every opportunity I get a lot more,” Sigmund said.

“I’m just enjoying every minute. I’m not taking anything for granted and every time I play for my club or my country it’s special.”

With Tim Brown suspended and Ryan Nelsen one of a number of overseas players not called back, the captaincy – for Wednesday’s match at least – was always up for grabs but despite a reputation as a successful captain of Canterbury United and Auckland City, wearing the armband wasn’t on Sigmund’s radar.

“To be honest I’ve never even thought about this before – I’ve just tried to focus on playing for the Phoenix and the All Whites. This has come along and it’s a bonus. But it’s a special bonus.”

“The experience at Canterbury and Auckland does help, I guess. Some people have said I’m a natural a leader but I don’t necessarily agree. I just try to play the best I can each week and that helps people follow.”

One of Sigmund’s challenges will be to help Herbert get the best out of a number of promising young players who have graduated from U-23 and U20 teams and now have a rare chance to push for a more regular place.

“It wasn’t that long ago that for me that I was doing the same thing. When you’re young you can get a bit intimidated and you can actually start to doubt yourself, but [All White coach Ricki Herbert] and the senior players have tried to make the environment welcoming.

“I’ve talked with some of the guys about not putting too much pressure on themselves – just go out there and play. I think they’re old enough to do that.”

“Now that some of the guys have got the experience of an Olympics under their belt, I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

Described by Herbert as “a heart on his sleeve type of guy,” Sigmund saw no lack of motivation despite the match taking on ‘dead rubber’ status with a Confederations Cup place and World Cup playoff already in the bag.

“It’s another international. It’s an All White cap and that’s motivation enough to go out there and win. I love playing for my country and I just hate losing.  And I think the rest of the guys are the same.

“Doesn’t matter who’s wearing the shirt – it’s the All Whites, and as All White captain for the first time, I certainly don’t want to lose.”

“Ricki spoke all the team last night and said if we’re going to win this game we’ll do it as a squad. We all need to play as a team and not individually, and if we can do that we’ll do well.”

Oceania Nations Cup / 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying

November 19, 2008

Churchill Park

Lautoka, Fiji

Kick off 18H00 (FIJT) 19H00 (NZT)

New Zealand (from): 1-Glen Moss (GK), 2-David Mulligan, 3-Aaron Scott, 4-Jeremy Christie, 5-Ben Sigmund, 6-Steven Old, 7-Leo Bertos, 8-Cole Peverley, 9-Jeremy Brockie, 10-Greg Draper, 11-Allan Pearce, 12-Kris Bright, 13-Jeff Campbell, 14-James Pritchett, 15-Costa Barbarouses, 18-Jacob Spoonley (GK).

Fiji (from): Simione Tamanisau, Filimone Bolatawa, Benaminio Mateinaqara, Alvin Singh, Malakai Keinahewe, Ilaitia Nukurawa, Peni Finau, Malakai Waqa, Salesh Kumar, Roy Krishna, Pita Bolaitoga, Maciu Dunadamu, Jone Vono Junior, Osea Vakatalesau, Tuimasi Manuca, Malakai Tiwa, Rajneel Chand, Josaia Bukalidi, Niumaia Tagi, Valerio Nawatu, Esava Naqeleca, Shameel Rao, Samuela Vula

Story courtesy NZF media. For more visit www.nzsoccer.com