Auckland City: The Underdogs
Since 2007 FIFA have relegated Oceania to a “bit part” – having to play off against the champions of the host nation to gain entry to the tournament proper. Auckland achieved their greatest success at the 2009 Club World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. Against all odds the plucky team of truck drivers, interior decorators, school teachers and shop assistants beat the champions of a multi million dollar Arab league (the host nations’ team Al Ahly) and the champions of one of FIFA’s largest confederations (TP Mazembe of Africa – who came runners-up at the 2010 Club World Cup). This was the first time a senior New Zealand representative football side had won a match at a FIFA world finals tournament. It is arguably the greatest result by a New Zealand football side on the world stage.
They won enough prize money to save the national league, the ASB Premiership, from extinction, yet the achievement received little or no coverage in the New Zealand media and only scant recognition from the governing body, New Zealand Football.
The governing body seems to have given up on the national league and have largely given up promoting, marketing or investing in it. There is an Australian A League team based in the capital, Wellington, and having a team from a foreign league based in the country sends a message to all football players, football supporters, the sports media, sports administrators, the general public etc in New Zealand that their own national league is second rate and not worth supporting. The governing body pretty much gave up on the national league when it took on the licence of the Australian A League team in 2007. Yet, the national league is not second rate. Back in October of this year Auckland City FC (who were only three weeks into their pre-season training) beat Australian professional side Central Coast Mariners (who were 3 months into their pre-season training including a win over Celtic) 3-1.
Auckland City FC play in the amateur ASB Premiership (formally the NZFC Championship). It is a relatively new league having only been established in 2004. The league is played in the New Zealand summer – October through to April. Auckland City FC is also a relatively new club. It was formed in 2004 to specifically compete in the new league – as were all of the other 7 ASB Premiership clubs.
Their home ground is the modest Kiwitea Street (“one stand, we’ve only got one stand…”) in the central Auckland suburb of Sandringham. Since its formation Auckland City FC has enjoyed some success having won the title 4 times. Their fiercest rivals are another Auckland club, Waitakere United (more affectionately known as “that small club in Kumeu”). They have won the title 3 times.
It is hugely important for New Zealand teams to win the O League and qualify for the Club World Club. The money which received from FIFA for qualifying for the Club World Cup is distributed amongst all 8 ASB Premiership teams. Without this money it is highly likely that there would be no New Zealand national league.
No matter what happens in Japan, Auckland City FC and Kiwitea Street will remain a bastion of “heart and soul” football in an increasingly commercialised football world. It is how football used to be and, in my opinion, how football should be. The club is run on the hard work and dedication of volunteers and players make huge sacrifices to train 4 nights a week (5 nights prior to departing for the Club World Cup) and play on the weekend while still holding down jobs/tertiary education.
It’s also an example of affordable football with children under 15 going free and season tickets only $50. It is owned and run by football people, not mining magnates, sheikhs or multi million dollar poultry farmers.
Which City players should be watched out for in Japan? The goalkeeper Jacob “Bobby” Spoonley has 1 international cap to his name (but deserves more). The left back Ian Hogg is a great left sided player. Alex Feneridis is a workaholic in the heart of midfield. Adam McGeorge is another strong presence in midfield (although he’s been getting less game time of late). Danko Koprivcic is a skilful striker turned attacking midfielder. Despite the exotic names all are Kiwis and all are eligible to play for our New Zealand national team.
It will be very difficult for Auckland City at the this years Club World Cup. The Japanese champions will be very quick and very skilful. One thing is sure – City will give it their best shot.
You can read more from the author at his blog, Bloc 5.
