Waitakere name 20 for Japan

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