Waitakere United Solomon Islands international striker Commins Menapi has been classified as a ‘marquee player’ for the 2007/08 New Zealand Football
Championship.
Waitakere Executive Chairman Rex Dawkins has been a strong advocate of the playing talent in the Oceania region and worked hard to have Menapi recognized as much
for what he has done for his country as for football in New Zealand.
“Commins is a player of great reputation and standing in his country and has played superbly for them over a long period of time. As well as that he has forged a
successful club career in both Australia and now New Zealand, scoring goals at all levels on a consistent basis. When we assessed our squad for the season ahead, it became obvious to us that Menapi
was the player deserving of this special status.”
New Zealand Football clearly agreed, providing confirmation of Menapi’s status as a marquee player in a letter to the club this week. Each club is entitled to one
marquee player in their playing squads.
Dawkins said the decision effectively grants Menapi the status of playing outside the constrictions of an imported player and accurately reflects his playing
ability and record.
“I believe this decision sends a clear message that our marquee players don’t always have to be from South America or Europe. I have long been a supporter of the
islands and the quality of footballers they produce. Others have also seen the value in recruitment from our near neighbours, most notably Colin Tuaa during his coaching stints at Nelson and
Manawatu. The more we can do to promote football in the Oceania Football Confederation the better; collective strength can only help New Zealand in the long term.”
Menapi will once again be the spearhead of the Waitakere attack this season as they embark on a year that includes the NZFC, O-League and the FIFA World Club Cup
in Japan this December.
Waitakere United will play all their home matches at Fred Taylor Park, the home of Waitakere City. This is due to Douglas Field undergoing a turf refurbishment
programme through the summer.
The entire Waitakere O-League squad will be confirmed on Monday 15th October.
Commins Menapi
DOB: 18.9.1977 (30 years)
Solomon Islands international 2000 – 2007
Oceania Champions League, Golden Boot 2006/07
Clubs: 1998 -1999 – Marist Football club ( Honiara)
1999 – 2000 – Nelson Suburb (NZ)
2000 – 2003 – Sydney United (Aus)
2003 – 2004 – Makuru Football Club ( Honiara)
2004 – St George Football club (Aus)
2005 -2006 – Manawatu Football Club (NZ)
2006 to present – Waitakere United Football Club (NZ)
For further information contact:
Rex Dawkins
Executive Chairman
Waitakere United
021 974469