Waitakere United has today confirmed the 20 players that will travel first to China and then on to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The side is strong on experience and includes 12 of the squad that played in the tournament last year. Newcomers to the side include Brazilian import Adriano and Fijian international Roy Krishna.
As far as the New Zealanders are concerned the squad includes five past or present All White internationals and former NZ U23 captain Aaron Scott.
Coach Chris Milicich is pleased with the quality of the players chosen, saying it is up to them now to show their best form in Japan.
“We are pleased with the mix of players this year and feel it is a stronger team than last year. For starters many of the players return the better for that experience but also we have added the likes of Adriano, Roy Krishna and former All White Jeff Campbell to the midfield, giving us plenty of options to ponder.
“But reputation counts for little at such a prestigious tournament; this is about one 90 minute performance, the game of their lives for most of this squad if we are to achieve a result against a quality Adelaide side.”
The team will conclude preparation in Auckland this week before flying to China on Wednesday night and playing Ningbo Province en route to Japan and a date with Adelaide United on December 11.
Waitakere United Squad, FIFA Club World Cup
* past or present All White
+ returning to Japan from 2007
Richard Gillespie +
Goalkeeper
Jonathan Perry *+
Defender
Aaron Scott
Defender
Danny Hay *+
Defender
Hone Fowler
Defender
Daniel Ellensohn *
Striker
Paul Seaman +
Midfielder
Benjamin Totori +
Striker
Allan Pearce *+
Midfielder
Neil Sykes +
Defender
Roy Krishna
Midfielder
Danijel Koprivcic +
Striker
Jeff Campbell *+
Midfielder
Chris Bale +
Midfielder
Neil Emblen +
Defender
Jake Butler +
Midfielder
Jason Rowley +
Defender
Kayne Vincent
Striker
Daniel Robinson
Goalkeeper
Adriano Pimenta
Midfielder
For further comment please contact:
Chris Milicich
Head Coach Waitakere United
021 2226959
Rex Dawkins
Chairman Waitakere United
021 974469
Andrew Dewhurst
Media Manager Waitakere United
021 535501