Borren returns to fold

Football

The return of Matt Borren as first string goalkeeper looms as a good omen for Wairarapa United as they prepare for the 2013 Central League football season.

It will be the third season for Borren in the Wairarapa United colours with the first of them coinciding with their promotion from the Capital premier division to the Central League and the second being highlighted by that memorable 2011 Chatham Cup final success.

Not surprisingly, Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley is delighted Borren is returning to the fold after transferring to fellow Central League club Western Suburbs last year. His decision could not have come at a better time for Keinzley who was left without a goalkeeper after Wellington-based incumbent Phil Imray found himself unable to meet the requirements of attending two trainings each week and elected to join up again with his old club Miramar Rangers.

"Obviously, we are sorry to see Phil go but Matt is the ideal replacement, he's done a great job for us in the past and I'm certain he will do the same again," Keinzley said.

Keinzley also welcomed news a quality player from the Canterbury region in John Fernando is also keen to play for Wairarapa United in 2013. Fernando has made a favourable impression at striker for the Christchurch United club and is taking up an appointment at Wairarapa Hospital in Masterton.

Although not having seen Fernando play, Keinzley said his CV suggested he would be challenging strongly for a permanent place in the Central League line-up.

"You don't often get players of his calibre coming into the area off their own bat, it's a big bonus for us."

Wairarapa United held their first official training run for the 2013 season last week and Keinzley was pleased with the big turnout, especially from youngsters pressing hard for selection in their seconds team which won promotion to the Capital third division last year.

"It was terrific to see the enthusiasm of the young guys and from what we hear there were quite a few who couldn't be there because of other commitments, right now things are looking really positive numbers-wise," he said.