Keinzley welcomes return of key players

Fijian international Esava Naqueleca could make his debut for Wairarapa United in their Central League football match with Tawa at Howard Booth Park, Carterton, on Saturday.

Indications are the immigration hassles which stopped Naqueleca from taking the field for Wairarapa United in their 2-2 draw with Petone last weekend will not be a problem.

But the news is not so bright for other prospective debutantes, Solomon Islands duo Joses Nawo and James Nana, and Brian Kaltack from Vanuatu, who still have to have their visas cleared.

The availability of Naqueleca alone would be a big boost for Wairarapa United, whose playing resources were so stretched for the Petone match the only player on the reserve bench was Miroslav Tvaroh, who was still recovering from injury.

Fortunately, he did not have to front and hopes are high the break will have him fit enough to play on Saturday.

Also helping the Wairarapa United cause will be the return of utility player Aaron Spierling, one of four players unavailable last weekend because of prior commitments. The other three, Phil Imray, Darren Cheriton and Seule Soromon, will again be absent.

The loss of the prolific-scoring Soromon is a definite blow for Wairarapa United but coach Phil Keinzley was delighted with the manner in which the experienced Pita Rabo took up the challenge of partnering Paul Ryder as striker against Petone, and he will be continuing in that role on Saturday.

Also pleasing Keinzley was the performance of Wellington-based referee, John Rowberry, who kept a low profile throughout the course of the match.

"You often find in the muddy conditions we had, that referees sit on the whistle because of the likelihood of dangerous sliding tackles but he was quite prepared to let the game flow, it was good stuff," said Keinzley.