Aussie coach aims to guide Futsal Whites to trans-Tasman successAugust 31, 2012AUCKLAND – Former Australian futsal coach Scott Gilligan knows his raw New Zealand side will be up against it when they take on World Cup bound Australia in a three match series for the ASB Trans Tasman Cup in Auckland in September but is still hoping to get one over his old employers.
The Futsal Whites host the Futsalroos at ASB Stadium in Kohimarama on September 21, 22 and 23 as the Australians prepare for November’s FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand and New Zealand rebuild with an eye on the 2016 event.
Gilligan, who coached Australia in four matches against New Zealand during his seven year stint at the helm says he knows a trans-Tasman contest will bring the best out of his charges.
“Australia have qualified for a World Cup out of an extremely tough Asian confederation so we already know they are one of the best 24 teams in the World and if I know their mindset they’ll be heading to Thailand with the mindset of winning every game they play.”
“It’ll be a baptism of fire for some of our players, but one thing I remember from my time coaching sides against New Zealand is that Kiwis find another gear when they play Australia.”
Gilligan’s first squad since taking over as New Zealand coach has a fresh feel to it with seven uncapped players among the 15 man squad selected from over 90 players that were invited to attend training camps following the ASB Futsal National League and ASB Youth Championships. That includes four teenagers including 16 year olds Harvey Mills and Jan Fisher from Northern Futsal and 17 year old Elliott Collier from Hamilton.
Even 2011 New Zealand futsal player of the year Dylan Manickum a regular in the national team for the past two years is still only 20.
“We’ve got an eye the future as qualifying for the 2016 Futsal World Cup is the ultimate aim,” said Gilligan.
“However, as futsal is really starting to get a foothold in the country and football clubs around the country are now behind the sport we need to put up a credible performance against Australia to show that groundswell of support from players, community organisations and commercial partners that we are making progress.
“The young players are there on merit but we’ve balanced their inclusion with the experience of proven players who have got plenty more to contribute.
“We’re taking a long term approach for the next four years. We have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup and we must mould a side that is firstly capable of qualifying.”
The ASB Trans Tasman Cup matches will form part of a futsal showcase at the Auckland venue with exhibition games for junior and youth players taking place and international players holding “have-a-go” sessions with players wanting to try out the sport.
Admission to any of the matches is $10 per game or $15 for all three. Students and under 20s get in free.
New Zealand futsal squad for ASB Trans-Tasman CupTai
BARHAM (Central Futsal)
Daniel
BURNS (Mainland Futsal)
Elliot
COLLIER (WAIBOP-Futsal)
Lucas
CORDEIRO DA SILVA (Capital Futsal)
Marvin
EAKINS (captain) (AFF-Futsal)
Bakr
AL-SAUDI (AFF-Futsal)
Jan
FISCHER (Northern Futsal)
Mickey
MALIVUK (Capital Futsal)
Miro
MAJOR (AFF-Futsal)
Dylan
MANICKUM (AFF-Futsal)
Harvey
MILLS (Northern Futsal)
David
PLOWRIGHT (GK) (Capital Futsal)
Michael
SANNUM (Futsal South)
Jakub
SINKORA (Mainland Futsal)
James
VAUGHAN (AFF-Futsal)
One player (goalkeeper) to be added
Coach: Scott
GILLIGANASB Trans-Tasman CupNew Zealand v Australia
ASB Stadium, Kohimarama, Auckland
Match One: Friday 21 September, 7.30pm
Match Two: Saturday 22 September, 7.30pm
Match Three: Sunday 23 September, noon
Admission:
Adults - $10 per game / $15 for all three
Students and U-20s free entry.
Other activitiesFriday 21 September5.45: Girls showcase game
Saturday 22 September4.30pm: U-14s showcase game
5pm-5.45pm: ‘Have a go’ open session
5.45pm: U-19s showcase game
Sunday 23 September9am: U-10s showcase game
9.30am-10.15am: ‘Have a go’ open session
10.15am: U-12s showcase game
Posted by
Luca Ranocchiari -->
luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com 
