Football: Rovers teenager staying 'true to roots'

Lindisfarne College pupil Karan Mandair is still learning his trade in the engine room of Napier City Rovers in their Central League campaign. Photo/Paul Taylor

Enter the lucid world of Karan Mandair and you'll find the most tenable currency in life is passion, not money.

"There's just too much money in it at the moment," says Mandair who is one of a cluster of youthful players Conroy Removals Napier City Rovers have blooded in their Lotto Central League soccer campaign.

"Stay true to the roots," he says although he isn't saying he'll turn down an offer to advance in a sport he plays year in, year out.

The 17-year-old made his starting XI debut in the 2-1 loss on the road to Wellington United last Saturday and is hoping to emulate that feat when the Blues host Miramar Rangers at Park Island, Napier, tomorrow in a 2pm kick off.

What appeals to him about the code is how simple it is to play but that is not to say it is easy in a team environment.

Mandair certainly relished the experience but, in the mould of adept centre-mids with sharp reflexes, is quick to acknowledge it was an eye opener.

"It's a huge step up from the prems," says the Lindisfarne College first XI player who, until a fortnight ago, has been footing it in the top-tier Computer Care Hawke's Bay Premiership in the province.

He found the "box-to-box" intensity of the game putting a markedly higher demand on his reserves as opposed to the premiership level where he enjoys the luxury of time and space to dictate play.

The teenager sees himself aspiring to fulfil the role of playmaker in the engine room - someone who wins possession, keeps it and distributes it an opportune time to put the opposition on the backfoot.

That is not to say Mandair doesn't harbour the desire to forage at the coalface or put the ball into the net. In fact, he does that for his high school side as an attacking midfielder/striker.

"It depends on what the situation is. At the higher level being a playmaker is probably much better."

As far as the teenager is concerned, he's still learning his trade so his template is still in an evolving stage.

Mandair says although he hasn't played against Miramar he is mindful of the traditional rivalry between the sides and also how both sides are missing a player or two when they run on to Bluewater Stadium.

Ironically the departure of Ross Willox on an American soccer study scholarship has opened the door for Mandair to show his worth.

He is enjoying the Rovers club environment and culture as well as match-specific trainings each week in terms of what different oppositions are likely to bring to the park.

The teenager is born in Hastings but his parents, Kamal and Peter, are Indian immigrants who arrived in New Zealand in the 1980s now working as orchardists.

His elder brother, Baljit, 29, a roofer, is a former Maycenvale United striker who showed a lot of promise with dazzling skills and speed but niggly injuries curtailed his career.

Mandair followed in the footsteps of his father and brother.

The former Mahora School and Hastings Intermediate schoolboy watched them play every Saturday.

During that time he honed his skills in the backyard before making Bay and Central age-group teams along the way from 10.

While blessed with skills there's one thing Mandair had to come to terms with quickly as he got older - the level of physicality.

Leaning on counterparts is imperative if he is to remain strong on the ball or dispossess the opposition.

His passion for the beautiful game is evident in his commitment to play it all year round with representative teams.

He was a member of the Hawke's Bay United youth team last summer and is hoping to retain that berth with the trials under way now.

"I want to play at the highest level I can go."

Mandair aims to secure a professional contract anywhere in the world although breaking into the Thirsty Whale Hawke's Bay United men's franchise squad for the coming 2017-18 Stirling Sports Premiership season will be godsend.

Setting goals and achieveing them is something the year 12 pupil is accustomed to after securing a sport scholarship to Lindisfarne College.

A penchant for mathematics and science, Mandair isn't sure what he wishes to pursue a career in if he attends university.

"Hopefully I'll get a sports scholarship like Ross."

Rovers English import defender Charlie Yexley is out, serving a match suspension for accumulating five yellow cards while Robertson isn't playing either because of injury.

■ NAPIER CITY ROVERS: 1 Ruben Parker Hanks (GK), 2 Blake Koolen, 3 Bradley Perks, 4 Jonny Cox, 5 Matt Bruin, 6 Oliver Coren, 7 Jean-Michel Paulin, 8 Chris McIvor, 9 Angus Kilkolly, 10 Fahad Rwakarambwe, 12 Ethan Ladd, 14 Joshua Stevenson (vc), 15 James Hoyle, 16 Danny Wilson, 17 Fergus Neil (c), 18 Karan Mandair, 19 Bill Robertson, 21 Kyle Baxter (RGK).

Coach: Bill Robertson.
Assistant coach: Stu James.

■ MIRAMAR RANGERS: 1 Phil Imray (GK), 2 Tim Schaeffers, 3 Aleem Sheik, 4 George Milne, 5 Roland Bala, 6 Olly Ceci, 7 Joel Stevens, 8 Andy Bevin, 9 Tom Jackson, 10 Ben Thomas, 11 Mikhail Bredeveldt, 12 Niko Kirwan, 13 Finn Moore, 14 Billy Scott, 15 Richard Bott, 16 Lewis Jackson, 17 Dom Rowe, 19 Fraser Norrington, 20 Ryan Matthews, 21 Jack Imray, 22 Dan Clarke (RGK).

Coach: Wiremu Patrick.
Ast coach: Michael Smith.