Wellington Phoenix continue pre-season preparations with the annual fixture against a Central League select team at Weka Park in Raumati this weekend.
The annual fixture is an opportunity for the best players from the Central League to test themselves against the professionals.
Capital Football Operations Manager, Lisa Jones says the match is an exciting platform for those Central League players selected to play.
“This match is always one to look forward to on the calendar and a great opportunity for some of Wellington’s best to make a name for themselves.
“This year we have a number of young faces making their debut appearance for the select side, as well as few senior players that will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to our squad.
“The team are excited about testing themselves against the Phoenix and proud to be representing their clubs in the annual fixture.
“It’s always a great day out on the Kapiti Coast and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Mark Rudan is looking for another test for his team as the Central League will offer some stern opposition.
“Playing against the top players in the region is an important part of our build up.
“There are plenty of very good footballers in the league so it will be an interesting challenge that my players are prepared for.”
The fixture follows on from a 5-0 win over Central League club champions Napier City Rovers in Palmerston North last weekend.
The event will also provide an opportunity for people to give back as Kapiti Coast United Junior player Loren Harvey is currently battling cancer. KCU and Wellington Phoenix are asking for attendees to show their support on the day by donating at the gate and taking part in the raffles and help raise funds for Loren and her family to help with some of their expenses during Loren’s treatment up in Starship over the next few months.
At A Glance
Wellington Phoenix vs. Central League Select
Saturday 1st September, Kick off 2:00pm
Weka Park Raumati Beach
Gold coin donation
Wellington Phoenix Available Squad
1. Filip KURTO (GK), 5.Ryan LOWRY, 6.Dylan FOX, 7.Nathan BURNS, 8.Mitch NICHOLS,10. David WILLIAMS, 14. Alex RUFER, 15. Michal KOPZCYNSKI, 16. Louis FENTON, 18.Sarpreet SINGH, 19.Tom DOYLE, 20.Oliver SAIL (GK), 21.Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE (C), 26.Liberato CACACE, 27. Steven TAYLOR
Trial Players
2. Jacob TRATT, 9. Soo Byung YOO
Central League Select Available Squad
GK. James MCPEAKE (Stop Out), GK. Alex BRITTON (Wairarapa United), 2. Dan RESTORICK (Waterside Karori), 3. Jake WILLIAMS (Wellington United), 4. Jacob MASSEURS (Wellington Olympic), 6. Tiahn MANUEL (Miramar Rangers), 7. Leo VILLA (Wellington Olympic), 8. Paul IFILL (Wairarapa United), 9. Sam JOHNSON (Lower Hutt City), 10. Ahmed OTHMAN (Wellington Olympic), 11. Cory CHETTLEBURGH (Wairarapa United), 12. Jerram TUCK (Stop Out), 13. Tor DAVENPORT-PETERSON (Waterside Karori), 14. James MARSH (Lower Hutt City), 15. Azariah SOROMON (Wairarapa United), 16. Sam PICKERING (Stop Out)
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach | Scott EASTHOPE, Asst Coach | Bobby WALKER, Manager | Paul COMMERFORD, Physio | Sam MARTIN
