New role for Sabutu

Fijian international Waisake Sabutu will have a change of role when Wairarapa United takes on Wainuiomata in a Hilton Petone pre-season tournament men's soccer match at Petone this Sunday.
Sabutu made a favourable impression with his ability in the air and his powerful clearing kicks when he played at fullback in Wairarapa United's 4-2 victory over Wellington Marist last weekend.
Normally, his effort would have been good enough to see him retain that position for the Wainuiomata match but Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley intends to explore another option by trying him in midfield there.
"He (Sabutu) is so versatile he can basically play anywhere on the park and we need to find out what best suits our purposes," Keinzley said. "Tournaments like this are the ideal platform for that to happen, winning is still the objective but it's not the end of the world if you don't."
Another player whose versatility could see him moved around in Hilton Petone matches is Andy Robertson. He did well at both fullback and striker last season and made a decent impact when subbed on at left half against Wellington Marist. There is little chance though of Keinzley splitting up internationals Pita Rabo (Fiji) and Soromon Seule (Vanuatu) as the main strike force in the Wairarapa United forward line.
Last weekend was their first appearance together and they were all hustle and bustle, scoring two goals apiece and constantly tormenting the opposition defences with their skills both on and off the ball.
Keinzley is already convinced the Rabo-Seule combination has the X-factor which will make them a star act in the Capital premier division series in 2008. "They should be lethal, absolutely lethal," he said.
At the other end of the park though a question remains as to who will be the first string goalkeeper in the Wairarapa United squad.
Sunday's match will see current Palmerston North End 'keeper Matt Borren trialled in that important role and it will be interesting to see how the Manawatu cricket representative shapes up there.