Waitakere name strong squad for Vanuatu trip
Waitakere United Head Coach Chris Milicich has named an experienced and strong side to travel to Vanuatu this weekend to play Port Vila in a crucial O-League tie.
The game is a must win for the defending champions ahead of their much awaited return match against Auckland City on April 5th, a game that is expected to settle group A, but only if Waitakere return from Vanuatu with at least a share of the points.
Perhaps the two most notable omissions are former All Whites Jonathan Perry and Jeff Campbell, Perry due to ongoing injury and Campbell to work commitments. It is otherwise a powerful squad, giving Milicich plenty of options and few excuses.
”The whole season has been geared up to playing the next 6 weeks. It is important that we get a good result in Vanuatu and push forward into the business part of the season.
“Port Vila Sharks will be a different proposition at home than they are away and it is up to us to ensure that we get the right result regardless of any circumstances. There can be no slip-ups from now.”
Milicich faces some tough selection dilemmas with plenty of firepower up front in Roy Krishna, Danko Koprivcic, Benji Totori, Allan Pearce and Kayne Vincent all in good form.
Meanwhile at the back the return of captain Danny Hay to action in recent weeks has been well managed, the former All Whites Captain has added to the experience and power in the side, forming a central strong defensive pairing with Neil Emblen.
Waitakere United v Port Vila Sharks
Port Vila, Vanuatu
Saturday 7th March
Traveling Squad
Richard Gillespie
Danny Robinson
Aaron Scott
Danny Hay
Neil Emblen
Neil Sykes
Tim Myers
Jake Butler
Chris Bale
Paul Seaman
Allan Pearce
Daniel Koprivcic
Roy Krishna
Benji Totori
Kayne Vincent