The eagerly anticipated third NZFC season kicks off on Saturday when Danny Halligan’s Canterbury United meet last season’s cellar-dwellers Hawkes Bay United. Hawkes Bay United – coached by former Celtic and Scotland international, Jonathan Gould and his father, former Wales coach, Bobby Gould – will be looking to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles with former Aberdeen and St.Mirren midfielder Ricky Gillies adding experience to the line-up.
The defending champions kick off one hour later when Auckland City face Terry Phelan’s Otago United at Kiwitea Street. Auckland City will be hoping to put on an impressive performance as members of the world football press take an increased interest in Roger Wilkinson’s team ahead of the FIFA Club World Championship in Japan in December.
Sunday’s fixtures see Team Wellington face off against near-neighbours Youngheart Manawatu. Shane Rufer’s squad have lost the services of Campbell Banks and Commins Menapi from last season’s successful team. The Palmerston North side will once again rely on Solomon Islands pair, Benjamin Totori and Alick Maemae if they are to repeat last year’s successes.
In the late kick off fixture, Waikato FC host NZFC title-aspirants Waitakere United at Tauranga’s Links Avenue. Waikato FC coach Dave Edmondson will be hoping for a solid start with new signing Stanley Waita looking to carry his pre-season goalscoring feats into the competition proper. Waitakere United have a revitalised look to their squad with Steve Cain securing the services of New Zealand defender Danny Hay. The abilities of Brazilian pair Christiano Soares and Pedro Santos could prove decisive for the West Aucklanders.