Pacific players in doubt for match

Wairarapa United have been forced to play a waiting game leading into their Central League match at Petone on Saturday.

Hopes are high that four Pacific Island players - all of whom have played for their countries - will have their immigration papers cleared within the next 24 hours, time enough to make their debuts in the Wairarapa United colours.

But, conversely, if there are delays in their visas being approved, Wairarapa United's playing resources will be stretched to the point where their reserves bench could be totally bare.

"Right now, we have just the 11 players to pick from," Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley said yesterday. "We've got the fingers and everything else crossed that things will go our way but there are no guarantees."

What makes the quick arrival of Fijian Esava Naqueleca, Solomon Islanders Joses Nawo and James Naka, and Brian Kaltack from Vanuatu so important is that several regular members of the Wairarapa United squad won't be fronting up on Saturday.

Unavailable for various reasons are star striker Seule Soromon, goalkeeper Phil Imray and midfielders Darren Cheriton and Aaron Spierling.

Further complicating matters are the serious question marks over the fitness of utility player Miroslav Tvaroh, who suffered a groin injury when playing for the club's second team last weekend and is considered by Keinzley a doubtful starter.

Fortunately for Wairarapa United, the loss of Imray in the specialist goalkeeping position has been eased to a large degree by the willingness of Richard Gillespie to fill the void.

Gillespie has performed admirably in the custodial role for Wairarapa United in the past and even without regular match play would still rank among the best keepers in the country.

Exactly where Keinzley slots in the four Pacific Island newcomers will be a matter of interest as they are all versatile players capable of playing most positions. Naqueleca and Naka usually play in midfield, Kaltack in defence and Nawo up front.

That Petone, who lie fifth on the Central League table, six points behind second-placed Wairarapa United, will be fired up for Saturday's game is guaranteed. It is the last match being staged on the club's No 1 ground before an artificial surface is laid, and they have invited past and present players and supporters along to help celebrate.